BREACHING FOR FIRSTRESPONDERS
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Introduction
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NAME:
AGENCY:
JOB DESCRIPTION:
YEARS EXPERIENCE:
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Learning Objectives
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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.
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!”
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Platte Canyon High School
September, 26, 2006
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania
October 2, 2006
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Blacksburg, Virginia
April 16, 2007
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Our Motivation
• With proper tools and training, first
responders can enter into a crisis site and
save innocent lives.
• All 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.
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.
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.
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Ram
Sledge Hammer
Bolt Cutter
Pry Bars
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Key Points
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Path of Least Resistance
Limited Penetration
Points of Domination
Move only as fast as you
can shoot accurately and
think.
Inward Opening Doors
• No hinges, door is inset on the frame.
• 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.
Strike Point
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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.
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.
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.
Outward Opening Doors
• Hinges are visible, door is flush with
frame.
• 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.
Pry Point
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Generating Power
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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.
Types of Windows
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Ammunition Selection
• 00 Buckshot
• #4 Buckshot
• Specialty Breaching
Rounds
• Slugs?
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.
Method of Breaching
• Barrel makes positive contact with
door.
• Wood Door/Wood Frame
– 45-degree down-angle and at a 45degree 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 45degree angle
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.
Question & Answer
The ALERRT Center at Texas State University-San Marcos is part of the Texas State University System.