in the aftermath of Columbine, Law Enforcement professionals across the USA determined that first responders must be prepared to act more swiftly to put a quick and deliberate end to this type of attack. one primary issue identified was the need to empower the on-scene first responders to identify and immediately act to save innocent lives.
it si neither fair nor advisable to demand this type of response from our patrol officers and other first responders without first providing them with training and knowledge to effectively resolve a situation. Since Columbine, numerous active shooter and first responder training programs have been established around the country to address this lapse in training. this is also the premise on which the ALERRT center was formed: to provide tactical training to the law enforcement first responders to critical in-progress crimes of violence.
Like other disciplines, law enforcement cycles through phases. in 1966, patro officers and other first responders had to address whatever critical situation they faced. there were no tactical SWAT units they could call on for help. they had to do it all.
Over a 30 years period, American law enforcement became specialized to a point where first responders were neither encouraged nor advised to take any tactical action without first waiting for SWAT. However, since 1999, that has changed. Citizens now not only expect but also demand that our first responders take immediate tactical action in specific threat situations where a delay in response would cause the continued loss of innocent life.
Tactical units and SWAT teams continue to be a very important part of our profession. they have very important role in American law enforcement and, contrary to popular belief, save lives on daily basis. Unfortunately, it took a tragedy in Littleton, Colorado, for us to realize that SWAT teams have their limits. Additionally, some situations just cannot wait for SWAT.