MISSING CHILD

The Triple SSS Farm in Shelby County was the scene of four tactical stand-offs drawing troopers, officers, deputies and agents from various agencies to conduct and resolve the problems as safely and efficiently as possible. The Triple SSS Farm owner, Joe Steely, played host to the officers for the third year in a row. Sheriff Chris Curry played co-host to the event. The event coordinator, Richard Issa of the BATF, is also the point man for the North Alabama Crisis Negotiators.

The "spread" was large enough and has the buildings to support four tactical operations at one time. Two stand-offs were conducted in buildings, one in a school bus and the fourth, in a motor coach. Each scenario offered its own set of problems in terms of cover, concealment, field of vision and use of tactics.

The primary focus was on negotiations, but tactical skills were put to use as the negotiators did their best to resolve the situations with words. In addition to negotiation and tactical skills, command posts were also put to the test. Security was tight as containment officers had to be aware of threats from within and without. Hostages were released or escaped and had to be debriefed. Intelligence from the HNT's and the tactical officers had to be processed and recorded.

The day ended when all scenarios were resolved. The use of the site was excellent for the operations. An added bonus was meeting new friends and catching up with old ones. The networking of the officers at events such as this pay big dividends should an agency request mutual aid.

Approximately 100 officers and role players attended the event. The day was capped off when the attendees were treated to a fish fry by Mr. Steely.

The Birmingham PD Negotiators work a hostage scenario from behind cover of a house.

The session gave teams the opportunity to use all of their equipment. Birmingham Tact brought their entire tactical operations fleet.