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High Risk Warrant Service

NCJ Number
152046
Journal
Police and Security News Volume: 10 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1994) Pages: 38-41,43
Author(s)
W E Burroughs
Date Published
1994
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article suggests ways to reduce security risks when police officers are executing an arrest warrant.
Abstract
Preparation for high-risk warrant service results from the anticipation of specific problems and violations related to the execution of the warrant. Team members must be trained in various specialties that may be used in the warrant service, such as gaining entry, negotiating, and subject control. If any of these skills is lacking, security during the warrant service may be compromised. The arrest team must manipulate each contact situation to provide the best opportunity for apprehension. The selection of a tactically sound location is the primary consideration, followed by the selection of time of day when the subject's movement patterns can be predicted and pose a low risk of violence. Information obtained by the arrest team should identify the possibility of the presence of accomplices or friends who may pose a risk. A final consideration is a determination of how the takedown will occur. Responsibilities of team members must be clearly defined. All members must be highly skilled in their areas of expertise. To ensure that contingencies are taken into account, team members should be cross-trained so they can perform other team members' functions without hesitation.