Abstract
This study examines the case of ex-Los Angeles Police officer Christopher Dorner comparing it with national data on Special Weapons and Tactic (SWAT) operations. Emphasis is on the final confrontation between Dorner and SWAT. The inquiry seeks to expand what is known on SWAT use of deadly force. Qualitative data from media accounts and a law enforcement dispatch log is fused with quantitative data on SWAT from both the Multi-Method Study of Police Special Weapons and Tactics Teams in the United States, 1986-1998 and a related report to the U.S. Department of Justice. Chi-square tests of significance were applied. Results found Dorner possessed and used weapons common to SWAT suspects, SWAT and Dorner used deadly force, he was barricaded, and he committed suicide. Statistical significance was found for the following; SWAT uses deadly force more often than suspects, narcotics warrant suspects are fired upon by SWAT more than in other types of incidents, and hostage takers are fired upon less than in other types of incidents. Aspects of the case share commonalities with SWAT incidents nationally. Analysis of SWAT use of deadly force found narcotic warrant suspects are at risk for being fired upon by SWAT with hostage-takers less so.
Highlights
IntroductionAttempts to apprehend him resulted in a gunfight with one San Bernardino Sherriff ’s Deputy wounded and another killed
In 2009, Christopher Dorner, of the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), was fired for making false statements about his training officer [1]
A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) unit spearheaded the final assault on Dorner
Summary
Attempts to apprehend him resulted in a gunfight with one San Bernardino Sherriff ’s Deputy wounded and another killed Dorner took his own life after the cabin he took refuge in was engulfed in flames ignited by tear gas devices. SWAT units were first developed following the sniper shootings at the University of Texas in 1966 with LAPD forming the first team and gaining notoriety with high profile shoot-outs with the Black Panthers in 1969 and the Symbionese Liberation Army in 1974 [4,6,9,10,11,12]. Given the limited research on SWAT, it is useful to note what has been conducted to provide an overview (especially to any international readers) of SWAT as a specialized police unit. Good leadership, open communication, and reliable access to resources are necessary for collaboration to be effective [17]
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