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Reducing the Risks in High-Risk Warrant Service

NCJ Number
124626
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 57 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1990) Pages: 26,29-32
Author(s)
R M McCarthy
Date Published
1990
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The author provides causes and solutions to the problem of officers shooting fellow officers during high-risk warrant services.
Abstract
One of these causes is poor weapons handling which could be reduced by training to use sighted fire and discipline. Another cause is poor planning and briefing which can create confusion. This could be allieviated by proper planning based on thorough, accurate information about the location, its surroundings, and the individuals involved. During the execution of the warrant there are two primary errors which may occur. These are using a dynamic entry concept without an effective diversion and moving too fast once entry has been achieved. Good diversion tactics include the brake and rake concept and using one or two noise/flash diversion devices. The potential for error will be increased if the same officers are serving three or four warrants daily, including the high-risk variety. Many unnecessary shootings occur because of unreasonable officer fear, a problem that can be reduced by proper training. Warrants that are classified as high-risk need to be executed using a four step process. These four steps involve planning, briefing execution, and critiquing. A critique of each operation will serve as a learning experience.