This bodycam footage records the Seattle, Washington Police Department’s SWAT team as they receive and respond to a call concerning a barricaded suspect and two hostages. Using breaching tools, they make a dynamic entry and rescue the hostages without injury or loss of life.

Footage begins with the Seattle police receiving a call for service. A 49-year-old male was holding two women against their will, threatening to harm them with a knife. The first 23 seconds of video depict an officer coaching someone- ostensibly, a hostage- on dealing with the situation. This is an excellent and not often depicted example of the softer skills that can be required of an officer.

At 0:23, however, we see a transition to the harder skills. The camera officer is seen taking a ram out of the SWAT team’s Bearcat. At 0:39, there is brief security camera footage of the barricaded suspect and hostages in a small room. We see the camera officer rush the building, and at 0:45, he is depicted with the ram in-hand. One officer covers a small window diagonal to the door with his rifle while another reaches over him to break the glass, which provides cover and distraction to the camera officer, who goes to work on the door. It takes four swings to knock the door open. At 0:54, the team makes entry and gives commands to the suspect, caught literally with his pants around his ankles.

About the Author

Cole Simms

Cole Simms is an Air Guardsman, NASA enthusiast, police officer, and security contractor with particular experience in austere environments. Outside of work, he volunteers as a Stop The Bleed instructor for area schools. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and blends his knowledge and experience to write analysis for Funker530.

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