1. BREACHING FOR FIRST- RESPONDERS The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

2. Introduction NAME: AGENCY: JOB DESCRIPTION: YEARS EXPERIENCE:

3. Learning Objectives Discuss Need for Breaching Program Types of Breaching Types of Breaching Tools Approaches Initial Actions at the Breach Point Inward/Outward Opening Doors Windows Ballistic Breaching CQB Overview The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

4. What Is The Need For This Training? Breaching has been something believed to be needed only by those officers who are assigned to specialized units. First-responders need to have the tools and training necessary to respond to a variety of situations. Breaching isn’t rocket science, but the person tasked with opening doors must have a clear understanding of what keeps them closed and how they can be opened quickly. “If you can’t get in, you might as well just stay at home!”“If you can’t get in, you might as well just stay at home!” The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

5. Platte Canyon High School September, 26, 2006 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

6. Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania October 2, 2006 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

7. Blacksburg, Virginia April 16, 2007 The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

8. Medical Emergencies Due to the increased residential security designed to keep the criminal element out, doors are often fortified. First-responders may need more than just their foot to gain access. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

9. Search Warrants First responders may be called upon to assist specialized units due to lack of manpower issues that plaque our profession. Patrol officers may be asked to breach so that specialized investigative units can direct their manpower towards the entry and suspect apprehension. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

10. Automobile Accidents First responders to accident scenes may be required to breach and clear victims from automobile accidents quickly in order to save lives. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

11. Active Shooter Terrorist have promised to copy the events of Beslan, Russia in 2004 here in the United States. First responders must be prepared to breach into the crisis site in order to stop the murder of innocent. Virginia Tech is another example of the need to train the first responders to active shooter scenes to breach into the crisis site using any means available. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

12. Our Motivation save innocent livesWith proper tools and training, first responders can enter into a crisis site and save innocent lives. uselessAll the training and equipment designed to save lives once inside the crisis site is useless unless first responders can gain access into the building or structure. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

13. Stealth/Surreptitious Approaching the target through covert means without a suspect’s awareness. –Bump Keys –Lock Picking Kits The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

14. Manual Manual breaching is the defeating of a door or window by using a tool powered by the human body for the purpose of entering a location. –Ram –Sledge Hammer –Bolt Cutter –Pry Bars The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

15. Mechanical Mechanical breaching uses specialized powered tools or devices to defeat a door or window. –Hydraulic spreader –“Quickie” saw –Cutting torch The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

16. Ballistic Use of firearm to gain access into a stronghold. Primarily the 12 gauge shotgun with 00 or #4 buckshot. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

17. High Energy/Explosive Use of minimal amount of explosives necessary to defeat locking or hinged mechanisms into a doorway or window. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

18. Exigent Tools carried or immediately accessible to first responders during an emergency. –Stanley Fubar “Fat Max Extreme” –Various Pry Bars –Modified Sledge w/ Sling –Patrol Car or Any Available Vehicle (Trunk First) The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

19. Approaches Often overlooked Threat area coverage –Directed Fire vs. Suppressive Fire –Equipment Considerations The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

20. Formations Frontal Approaches –Linear –Wedge Lateral Approaches –Heavy Head The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

21. Movement Techniques Traveling Overwatch –The team is responsible for it’s own security. Bounding Overwatch –Team splits into two elements. –One team moves while the other covers. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

22. Key Points Path of Least Resistance Limited Penetration Points of Domination Move only as fast as you can shoot accurately and think.

23. Inward Opening Doors No hinges, door is inset on the frame. “Push” “Ram”Use the “Push” or “Ram” method to breach –Path of Least Resistance Tool selections for an inward opening door would be a ram or a sledge (Manual Breach) The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

24. Strike Point Strike the door as close as possible to the locking mechanism. Hinges are an option The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

25. Generating Power Hips and Legs to generate power Back, Shoulders and Arms generate a pushing vs. swinging motion. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

26. Positioning Tactical Breach Element of Surprise is Lost Positioned Outside of the Threshold Non-Tactical Breach Element of Surprise Maximize Power The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

27. Outward Opening Doors Hinges are visible, door is flush with frame. “Pry”Use the “Pry” method to breach –Path of Least Resistance Tool selections for an inward opening door would be a ram or a sledge and some type of pry tool. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

28. Pry Point The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

29. Generating Power Step back and torque hips. Back, shoulders, arms maximize leverage. The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

30. Types of Windows Safety Glass Plexiglas Dual Pane Glass Wired Glass Lexan The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

31. Window Breaching Tactics Distractions Port and Cover Port and Enter The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

32. Important Facts To Remember Shotgun breaching is a safe an effective method when used property. –Nothing is full-proof so it is best to have manual breaching tools ready when using this method in the event of a failed breach. The use of 12-gauge breaching rounds should be limited and generally considered only when facing circumstances such as the following: –Operations that are defined as “high risk” –Rapid entry is necessary and the potential risks of the operations outweigh the potential risks associated with it’s use. – If there appears to be no other viable breaching option.

33. Weapon Selection 12 gauge pump-action shotgun Sling Light Shot-shell carrier The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

34. Ammunition Selection 00 Buckshot #4 Buckshot Specialty Breaching Rounds Slugs?

35. Types of Doors Wood Door with Wood Frame- used mostly in residential construction. Both exterior and internal doors. Wood Door with Metal Frame- used primarily as interior doors in businesses and schools. Metal Door with Metal Frame- used primarily as exterior doors on businesses or schools. These doors often incorporate glass and push bars.

36. Method of Breaching Barrel makes positive contact with door. Wood Door/Wood Frame –45-degree down-angle and at a 45- degree angle off the doorframe Wood or Metal Door/Metal Frame –90 degrees off the surface off the door with the muzzle pointing down at a 45- degree angle The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.

37. Question & Answer The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.