Law Enforcement Tools for Dynamic Entry (July 8, 2011)

Law enforcement officers executing a search warrant face unique challenges. In most cases, they are not welcome and must gain forcible entry as quickly as possible before vital evidence can be destroyed or disposed of. For this reason, law enforcement officers engaged in dynamic entry activities typically use tools meant specifically to break down, cut
through, or pry apart obstacles that might impede them from conducting a thorough search. Thus, tactical entry kits are a common sight among search teams when resistance is expected.

A good, sturdy pair of bolt cutters are a vital asset to a tactical entry team. Padlocks, security chains, barbed wire, and chain link fences are often used to keep people out, but a sturdy pair of bolt cutters will let police search teams in. The best models include heat treated, hardened cutting edges to give them the best chance against sturdy bolts, and are designed specifically to not conduct electricity so that even electrified fences can be dismantled with relative ease.

Breaking down doors and other obstacles, or breaking into secured areas, is another common impediment to searching an area thoroughly. In these situations, the best tactical tool for quick entry is a combination of two separate tools - an axe head for cutting and a sledge head for smashing - into a single tool called a maul. The resulting tool is light enough to be easily carried, but tough enough to break open most obstacles.

Rounding out the tactical tool set, a good prybar or Hallagan tool allows the tactical entry specialist to breach a door or padlock that cannot or should not be broken or cut. These tools can be safely wedged or hammered into position, then pulled or hammered to pry apart or break open locked or jammed doors, sealed containers, and other obstructions with relative ease. They are preferably non-sparking and non-conductive so as to be usable in areas where a fire or electrical hazard exists.

A tactical backpack kit combines these three tools into a single unit that can be worn on the back, where the tools are easily accessible when needed but do not occupy the hands when idle. They allow search operations to be carried out efficiently and quickly, reducing the risk to officers and civilians. Every search team should have at least one tactical backpack kit ready to go when dynamic entry is authorized.

This entry was posted on July 8, 2011 at 11:14 and is filed under Law Enforcement, Correctional, Police and Security, American Detention Supplies, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response or trackback from your own site.