I am not completely convinced of Orlando PD’s culpability yet, but I must admit that the evidence increasingly indicates an utterly inadequate initial response.
I was a police firearms instructor, Special Reaction Team trained. I always instructed my officers that in the event of an active shooter, it was their duty to do whatever they could to neutralize him by forcing him to cover, or killing him, even at the dire risk of their own lives. I taught them that even only one officer on the scene was an active shooter neutralizer, and two or more was an active shooter neutralizer fire team, and should employ tactics toward that end. I taught them if they were not prepared to do so, they they were morally obligated to resign.
Waiting for SWAT is fine in a stabilized situation. An active shooter calls for desperate measures to stop. This must be hammered into law enforcement at all levels. I would have disregarded such halt orders and assaulted that bathroom with whomever would have accompanied me, or alone if I had to, and dealt with the consequences later. My conscience would not have allowed me any other action.
I am not completely convinced of Orlando PD’s culpability yet, but I must admit that the evidence increasingly indicates an utterly inadequate initial response.
Your statement sounds an awful lot like this quote from someone else..... “I don’t know all the facts, but it appears the police acted stupidly.”
As someone who says they have been there, you should know better. You should also know and understand that the public story and narrative rarely capture the dynamic incident you just lived. Everyone has the right answer - every time - after the overall scenario parameters are known..... except those on scene in the live scenario, but you should know that given your pedigree shouldn’t you?
Jihad Johnny said he was wearing an explosives vest and that kind of changes things (especially in an smaller enclosed room) that would amplify damage to hostages. On top of that, I am not sure how much more damage he did after he barricaded himself in the bathroom. I had previously heard it was not much nor did he shoot much after the initial officer(s) drove him in there. The radio traffic said they were not hearing gunfire while they maintained cover on the bathroom and the negotiator was talking off and on. Gunfire is over and explosives present with unsub(s) = much different problem.
I am sure in hindsight that lessons will be learned and passed on. Why don’t you read the words of the SWAT commander on scene (link below)..... Does not sound like they sat around as people died to me, but that is the beauty of being the Monday Morning QB isn’t it? Every pass is perfect and scores a touchdown from the comfort of your recliner. You don’t have the warzone to cope with or the constant barrage of questions and pressure.....
I am 100% sure they made some mistakes. I am 100% sure they will scrutinize themselves and learn from those and pass on the lessons. I am 100% sure your team would have made some mistakes also. The truth will come out, but it will NEVER represent the picture they faced in the moment.
Possibly an illegal order to back off from that restroom. You are exactly right in everything you said.