Linked in - Active Shooter Discussion Forum

A fellow member of Linked In's Active Shooter Shooter Intervention forum posed a question regarding the efficacy of training military service members to respond independently to a threat, the so-called, "Solo Engagement Response Training."

My fellow forum members had differing opinions.  One police professional posited that individuals should be discouraged from responding alone to an active shooter.  I feel differently.

Changing times and threats require more than one way to respond to terminate an active threat.   Only individual circumstances and officer discretion can determine the most appropriate response in a given situation.  Continual and effective training helps develop appropriate responses while under fire.   

Whatever a department's policy may be, law enforcement cannot overlook the possibility an officer may be in a solo response situation. If an officer on scene has a tactical advantage over an active shooter should the officer take action to terminate the threat or wait? This possibility requires officers be trained to terminate the threat, alone, with a buddy, or a team. If an officer determines a solo response is to his or her advantage, then that option should not be taken away from the him or her. The officer has a duty to defend others and has a right to protect him or herself.

Departmental commitment and dedication to training will keep officers standing, whatever the threat.

Police Beat - Linked In

I belong to a number of law enforcement forums on Linked In, which I find is a really valuable information sharing tool for police professionals.  One of those forums is Police Beat.  Cops at all career levels post information and questions for others to consider.

Recently a question was posted which was the catalyst for some lively discussion.  The question was, "what does a law enforcement officer do if given an order by a superior officer to engage in activity which violates a citizen's Constitutional rights."

One colleague posted that any officer who would ask a subordinate to do such a thing could not be categorized as "superior."  Another reminded the group that most of us had taken oaths not only to enforce the law, but also to defend the Constitution.

I believe that such an issue should never arise with properly-traine law enforcement professionals.  My personal opinion as an official may conflict with the professional opinion of a supervisor.  However, that opinion cannot stand against the facts which should dictate the way a directive is given and expected to be carried out. 

However, if an officer is put into the unenviable position of being asked to engage in behavior which he or she knows to be illegal or violates a citizen's rights, he or she must respectfully decline.  If he or she is re-ordered to essentially violate the law, the officer need not follow such an order.  He or she cannot be a part of it.  The next step is to immediately notify a supervisor at the next level of the chain of command.  He or she must ensure that all facts are properly documented so that they may be reviewed.

Fortunately, officers are not often put in this position.  Knowing what to do ahead of time, however, will help keep any officer confronted with such a situation...standing.

An Homage to SEAL Team 6

Today I witnessed a form of respect I never would have expected. As I was eating breakfast at a small deli reading about Seal Team 6 in the Daily News, I noticed a homeless man. He is an older gentleman who is harmless and keeps to himself. His hair is a bit long and he wears a slightly overgrown beard, but he is neat and clean.  

I glanced over from time to time to monitor his movements. I watched as he approached the shelf holding the newspapers. He was reading the same paper as I was. The difference was that I could pay for my paper and he could not.  As people approached, he would step back to allow them to buy a newspaper.  Once they left, he returned to reading the newspaper still on the shelf. 

I saw him calmly strike the shelf with a closed fist. I realized that he and I were both reading about SEAL Team 6. The picture of the helicopter stood out on the paper he was reading as much as it did in mine. I decided to write a blog entry about this tragedy.  Then I witnessed what this man did.  His tribute outdid anything I can say here.

He stood at attention as the paper lay open. He took a step back from his original spot.   Still at attention, he slowly saluted as he looked directly ahead, much like one would do as a member of the military. He saluted slowly, showing respect and recognition. He did so three times. 

When he was finished, the deli owner gave him a muffin.  I don’t know if he paid for it.   As I left, I slid my paper across the table to him.  We didn’t speak.  He nodded in appreciation and I walked out the door.  I will talk with him when I see him again. Today, my words couldn’t match his actions.

Since the events of 9/11 I cannot recall experiencing more pride in our country than the role played by SEAL Team 6 in successfully eliminating Osama Bin Laden. Let us not forget our armed forces were assigned halfway around the world to complete a mission thought to be unachievable when President Bush indicated Osama Bin Laden was wanted dead or alive.

No matter what opinion we may have about the role of Navy SEALS, it should be recognized by one and all that this team with the other branches of our armed forces responded to help ensure the likelihood the United States would not fall prey to domestic terrorist attacks again. 

There will be many comments about what happened, who was involved, and how it was possible the Taliban was successful. I choose not to go there.  I would rather recognize this team for what it represents; courage, commitment, loyalty, dedication, and a desire to do what needs to be done even when others say it is impossible.  

A total of 30 people were killed. As we have learned 22 SEALs and 8 additional Americans along with 7 Afghan commandos died. Nonetheless, I see them standing tall, as I do all members of the armed forces who have represented us in the War on Terror.

A homeless man stood at attention today while I ate bacon and eggs. He saluted a newspaper which told a horrific tale.  His salute recognized the deaths of the SEALS as well as all military personnel.   His example serves notice that all personnel lost in this war, not just SEAL Team 6, are officers still standing in our hearts.

I return this gentleman’s salute.  He remembered the SEALS with great pathos and distinction. I recognize the role of a homeless man who took the time to pay respect in a way few of us ever do. It took to a veteran to do it.