To shoot, or not to shoot…
By:
Fppd-”Remington-Finest”
The SWAT 3 Game was built on the basis of CO-OP games, which in my personal opinion are the best type of game available. The use of teamwork and various tactics are very exciting to use, and make for a fun game if done properly. The whole purpose for SWAT teams is to “Preserve Life,” which is why I am writing this article.
The use of deadly force on varying situations
Using deadly force is one of the hardest things to do for any type of Law Enforcement Officer. The officer in a heartbeat can choose a person’s fate. This can leave a large area for error. Luckily, in the SWAT 3 game, no lives are actually lost, so it is easier to just go on shooting rampages and neutralize any person that crosses their path. I write this article to teach any SWAT gamer, new blood or veterans how to deal with many different situations. I realize there are already many good articles about the use of deadly force, I am just writing this to teach my ideas and tactics based on my prior knowledge of this subject.
Situations were deadly force is needed
Using deadly force should include many factors at that time. One should consider the suspects actions. Deadly force is needed when a person’s life is in danger. Whether it is a civilian or hostage, or even a fellow officer, deadly force is required against the suspect. Many times there is no time to call for compliance. Quick and swift action is required against the suspect. You should fire, as many rounds as necessary, but don’t over do it. If a suspect has not raised his or her gun, then compliance should be issued. Issuing compliance tells the suspect to comply (hence the name compliance) with the officer and to drop their guns. This should always be done with time permitting. Shooting a suspect without compliance before he or she is a threat is not good practice, and goes against what the game stand for.
There are many life saving techniques that are available during the game such as the use of Noise Flash Devices and CS Gas. The use of Noise Flash Devices are a great way to temporarily disorient the suspect and gives time for officers to set up. Noise Flash devices, also known as Flash Bangs, emit a loud popping sound with a brilliant flash. This disorients the suspect allowing officers to enter the room and to set up against the suspect. Time should be given for the suspect to comply with the officers. Until the suspect(s) pose a threat to anyone in the area, they should not be shot at. Another bad practice that many people get into is firing warning shots or shooting the extremities. Firing warning shots is not very smart to do. After the bullet passes through the wall, it could strike a civilian on the other side unknowingly. Firing at suspect’s extremities is also not a very good idea. Many times the suspect will not go down, and will make the suspects more distressed and more prone to opening fire. An officer should shoot to kill every time, not to merely wound. It’s a hard fact, but the truth.
Fleeing Suspects
When a suspect is fleeing it is a very tough call to make. Many arguments can be made surrounding the use of deadly force. This decision should be left up to the Element Leader, but I will bring up some facts about it.
A fleeing suspect still poses a threat. When he runs away he could set up somewhere else, or pick up a different gun. If he is running away without a gun, then I believe he should not be shot, even though he could find another gun. A suspect with a gun running away should possibly be considered a threat and should be neutralize. Yet many times when a suspect runs he or she is very frightened and is ready to give up. The decision must lie to the Element Leader.
I cannot explain every situation to you, but I hope this helps you when you make the choice to shoot in CO-OP’s. If you ever want to play a game, or would like to practice some of these tactics, send me a message or grab me in one of the lobbies.
Tim
Fppd-”Remington-Finest”
Email: [email protected]
WON Screenname: Remington-Finest
ICQ: 161376656
Visit my webpage for more tactics!