Issue link: http://lawandordermag.epubxp.com/i/144260
SPECIAL REPORT The CLeaR Concept SUMMARY C-CLeaR is an acronym for Command Post, Containment, Long Rifle and React Team. These simple four words serve as reminders for actions that should be taken immediately to gain some measure of control over critical events such as barricades and hostage situations. A patrol rifle and a set of binoculars can be decisive game changers in hostage/barricade situations. THE CLeaR CONCEPT AN EASY REMINDER FOR WORKING HOSTAGE / BARRICADE SITUATIONS By Ti Goetz I don't believe there is a street cop anywhere who hasn't stood in the aftermath of a poorly run operation and asked himself, "Why The Face?" Often times, their wrath is justifably directed at the supervisors who had just failed the leadership challenge for which they had so obviously not prepared. While there are many critical events that test a patrol supervisor's mettle, barricades and hostage taking should not be two of the problems that catch you completely by surprise. These are events, however rare, that can and should be predictably planned for. When I say, "planned for," I don't just mean we call SWAT and then kick back with a donut and a cup of Joe 42 LAW and ORDER I July 2013 waiting for the boys in green to come save the day. If our adversaries would only give their word of honor to wait the hour or so it takes SWAT to arrive and deploy, we might be OK with donuts and coffee. Unfortunately, adversaries have a will of their own, and they tend to exercise it at the most inopportune moments. That being said, it's time to introduce a tried-and-true tactical concept to the patrol-level frst responders (CCLeaR pronounced See Clear). Thanks in large part to the California Association of Tactical Offcers, the CLeaR concept has been widely taught and utilized by SWAT teams throughout California. It's time now to bring that same concept, with one slight modifcation, to line offcers.