Topic: Security Central / Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) training? Any policies?

We use Freeze +P OC in most cases, but also we use a Freeze aerosol grenade which will cover a very large enclosed area. As mentioned in the other posts, it is not effective on all offenders. There are also offenders who may have adverse health conditions that may be aggrivated by the use of OC. In the instance of the later two we use a pepper ball launcher which can be used as an intermediate pain compliance weapon as well as an agent dispersal system. The also offer inert rounds for the launchers. The talcum powder round may still have adverse effects on offenders with breathing problems, but they also offer solid nylon ball and water filled versions as well. As far as training is concerned the more often your people train with live agent exposure the less likely they are to panic when using it. Whether or not you are wearing a mask doesn’t matter. In a real world operation you’re going to end up eating some of the gas yourself. If your people are made aware of this and train with live agent the better they will perform under real life incidents.

Topic: Security Central / Which cell extraction methods work best?

We use a 5 member extraction team. 3 tactical officers enter the cell in most instances, but are backed up by 2 door breachers if need be. This has worked out successfully for us for many years now. We also deploy chemical agents and a pepperball launcher in most extractions. If you would like more details e-mail me at rolbsned65@att.net.

Topic: Security Central / Trying to start Special Ops Response Team (SORT) academy…

While physical fitness is one of the top considerations, tactics and team cohesion are the tops in my book. Your tactics need to be modern, and you policies need to be updated regularly to accomadate the changes in technology. And most of all your teams should be established at each facility. This may sound expensive, but it’s really not with the amount of grants out there. Each facilites team trains independently, but training and tactics are stacnderized throughout the state so that one team can supplement another.

Topic: Security Central / Preparing for hostage situations?

The most important issue in preparing for a hostage situation is to know what one is. The majority of the hostage situations I’ve heard of and/or dealt with have started out as an active assault on an officer or staff member. These can be prevented by acting at the time of an assault and not standing by while an officer or staff member is being beaten. Secondly your ERT/SORT Team needs to be trained in ending hostage situations. The use of force policies for your department need to be clear in these situations. Political correctness and or misinterpritation of policies can cause problems, big problems. Lastly, your staff need to be trained on what can happen to them during these situations, and yes this means the possibility of rape and contraction of the diseases we face and manage to stave off on a daily basis. The ACA is a good place to find videos on the subject as well as the Arizona Department of Corrections. While training your Officers and staff be leery of telling them your ERT/SORT Tactics for these situations. A scared officer will tell all if he/she thinks it will help save them.