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Police practice regional SWAT operations

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Bear Cieri/Daily News correspondent
A member of the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team covers the passenger side of a car being stopped during a demonstration at a council meeting in Mendon yesterday.

By Michelle Laczkoski/Daily News staff
Milford Daily News
Posted May 15, 2009 @ 12:38 AM

MENDON -

A burst of light and sound stopped a Ford sedan in its tracks. Swarmed by seven heavily armed men, the driver was overcome by authorities.
The ruckus didn't lead to an actual arrest it was part of a SWAT team demonstration at yesterday's Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council meeting.
The parking lot of New England Steak and Seafood Restaurant was used to demonstrate a car "take down." The same tactic was used by authorities in Douglas a few years back.
As a suspect's car takes off, a SWAT team truck is instructed to follow closely and throw out a "flash bang."
A flash bang, or distraction device, is intended to overload one's senses for about 30 seconds, explained Mendon Police Chief Ernest Horn, who leads the regional group.
Once the team stopped its suspect, they yelled "Hands on your face!" and methodically checked the car before declaring, "Clear."
The regional council also displayed its mobile command unit and the work of its accident reconstruction team.
Dozens of local law enforcement officials were on hand yesterday morning.
"It's great for communities to work together," Horn said. "It's efficient and cost effective."
Local police chiefs, including Milford Chief Thomas O'Loughlin, Bellingham Chief Gerald Daigle, Millville Chief Ronald Landry and Uxbridge's Scott Freitas attended.
O'Loughlin said authorities in the region have been developing regional plans for years. He worked with Horn in 2003 to develop the accident reconstruction team, which investigates major accidents in the area.
The idea to share resources, personnel and equipment has been stressed since 9/11, he said. There is a greater need now to develop mutual aid agreements and help surrounding communities.
"Tough economic times highlight the need," O'Loughlin said.
Mary Lyons, chief of Mattapoisett Police, introduced a new statewide law enforcement mobilization plan yesterday.
The plan, funded with homeland security grants, will create a chain of command and plan for law enforcement officials to use in case of a major crisis.
"The plan is not designed to supersede anything that already exists," said state police Maj. Michael Barry.
The state's central region will create a policy board and regional coordinator to act as group leaders under this plan, officials said.
Officials are instructed to use the plan in natural disasters or critical incidents, comparable to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the bridge collapse in Minnesota in 2007.
"I don't think the plan will be used frequently if at all," said Barry.
Jack Collins, of the Municipal Police Institute, said something comprehensive like the state's new plan is overdue.
"This kind of thing was needed for a long time," he said.

Police practice regional SWAT operations - Milford, MA - The Milford Daily News
 
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#6 ·
"It's great for communities to work together," Horn said. "It's efficient and cost effective."

You know what's efficient and cost effective? The MSP's STOP team. No need to wastefully duplicate services.

O'Loughlin said authorities in the region have been developing regional plans for years. He worked with Horn in 2003 to develop the accident reconstruction team, which investigates major accidents in the area.

Has O'Loughlin ever heard of the MSP's Collision and Reconstruction Section (CARS)?

The plan, funded with homeland security grants, will create a chain of command and plan for law enforcement officials to use in case of a major crisis.

Gee, I wonder who's gonna be on top of the chain of command?

The state's central region will create a policy board and regional coordinator to act as group leaders under this plan, officials said.
Officials are instructed to use the plan in natural disasters or critical incidents, comparable to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and the bridge collapse in Minnesota in 2007.

I wonder whom is going to be on the policy board and regional coordinator for the state's central region. I thought GQH in Framingham already had things under control. Who knew the need for reinventing the wheel?

"I don't think the plan will be used frequently if at all," said Barry.

Finally a voice of reason.
 
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