I used to give my SWAT officers a little heads-up this time of year when I reminded them that it was barricade season. When people who have no self-control and can't stand each other are forced together by the holidays and then imbibe copious amounts of alcohol the results are oftentimes domestic fight calls. The worst ones end up as barricaded gunman call-outs when some boozed up goofball threatens his family members with a gun and turns the thing into a barricade with or without hostages or other family members present. My warning was a reminder that in our part of the country team members should make sure that cold weather gear was added to their call-out kit and they were prepared. It can get awful cold working a perimeter position in weather below freezing for eight hours or more.
This is not to make light of the events rather, it was to remind tactical personnel of the increased possibility of domestics and other potential violence during the holiday season. I don't care if you want to blame it on: stress of the season, the economy, increased drug and alcohol usage, whatever, the holidays bring with them an increased level of violence.
So here are some holiday season tips:
- Have Your Head in the Game: There really is an increased potential for violence on and off-duty. Don't relax when you're on the job or out in public off-duty.
- Bulky Clothing: Permits weapons to be more readily concealed by suspects. Remember that a good indicator of a concealed firearm is a suspect that touches or readjusts their clothing.
- Scan 360 Degrees: Prior to Christmas several years ago some cracked out idiot tried to rob me about 100 feet from the front doors of the training bureau where I work. Fortunately I was paying attention, moved to cover and apprehended the goof. Remember to constantly scan your environment and what comes into it as the threat it presents to you.
- Contact / Cover: Work with your partner or other officers to truly back each other up. This is vital. Don't overextend yourself. If you need back-up, call for it.
- Domestic fight calls: Still pose a significant risk to officers. If alcohol is involved (and it almost always is) the possibility of violence against you is significant. If there has been any violence, arrest if probable cause exists. Mediation is a thing of the past.
- Robberies: Bank and other types of robberies increase dramatically this time of year. If banks are open during your tour, increase patrols and check them out but remember that any business can be robbed (including pizza delivery guys). Be alert to suspicious persons loitering in the area, cars parked out front with the engines running and businesses that are close to easy escape routes whether for vehicles or on foot. Off-duty while using a bank or ATM have your wits about you.
- Suicides: Attempted or actual suicides increase around the holidays. Remember that the only difference between homicide and suicide is target. If someone has a gun or threatens that they have a gun they could very easily turn it in your direction.
- Suspicious Persons: Frisks are tougher to do well in cold weather when the street mopes wear multiple layers. Make sure you're conducting quality searches.
- Emergency Response Driving or Pursuits: You must make allowance for the road conditions and reduce speed as warranted.
- Traffic Stops or Accidents: If road conditions are perilous and the location for the stop or MVA leaves you exposed to collision, if at all possible have the drivers move to a safer location such as a side street or parking lot.
- Off-Duty: Carry a gun, period. Although you are only a cop eight to twelve hours a day, bad-guys practice their trade 24/7. Whether it's someone you've arrested or some other suspect, don't be victimized off-duty. Have the winning mind-set and the tools necessary to win a violent encounter off-duty. Avoidance is desirable but oftentimes not possible when someone is attempting to make you or your loved ones a victim.
Equipment Issues
- Firearms: Can you draw and fire your duty pistol with your gloves on? Can you operate the pistol and "run the gun" while wearing your cold weather gloves? Now is the time to find out; not when you're in the middle of a shooting.
- Clothing: If you live in a cold weather climate remember to dress in layers. Modern high tech clothing has come a long way but remember that exposed skin can get wind burned or frost bitten easily. Ear muffs or a knit cap are important to have as are quality insulated gloves when you’re out of the car for a while in the cold.
- Footwear: Gortex insulated boots are nice for cold weather but the soles can sometimes be slippery on the ice. There are slip-on ice grippers that you can put on your boots in icy conditions so you stay upright.
- Flashlights: Rechargeable flashlights don't last as long in very cold weather. Make sure you have a back-up or two.
- Bulkiness: The more clothes you have on the more bulky you are and this has to be factored into your game plan. Try some simple empty hand control strikes to see if you can move. Try to draw your baton or OC spray when so attired.
Years ago when my youngest was still little I had hopes of going home after a candlelight service at church on Christmas Eve and watching a Charlie Brown Christmas with her prior to her going to bed. On the way home I got a page for a SWAT call-out on a barricade and spent several hours laying on the ground in the rain looking through the scope of a .308 rifle at some drunken boob armed with a crossbow. The suspect surrendered after chemical munitions were fired through a window and all went well but my family awoke the next morning to find my sniper rifle and kit drying out in the living room. Such is the holiday season for America's lawmen.
I hope that you and your family have a safe and joyous holiday season but in our line of work my brothers and sisters in blue, you have to remain ever vigilant, prepare and work to make that happen!
