Contributed by Baker Batshield
PATROL IARD – QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Question – What is IARD?
Answer – IARD is an acronym for “Immediate Action Rapid Deployment”, a police tactic that provides swift deployment of law enforcement resources to developing or on-going, life-threatening situations where delayed deployment of emergency personnel could otherwise result in death or great bodily harm to innocent persons. The innocents are likely to be incapable of self-protection or escape to a safer environment owing to duress, time and/or other logistical restriction.
Question – What is “Patrol IARD”?
Answer – “Patrol IARD” refers to first responding patrol officers being empowered, trained and equipped to quickly perform “Immediate Action Rapid Deployment” (IARD) tactics during a developing or on-going life-threatening situation.
Question – Why is “Patrol IARD” important?
Answer – Society has become increasingly violent with an increasing number of predators who plan upon suicide after committing unspeakable carnage against innocents. History has proven that these killers act out a plan and usually murder uninterrupted until police gain close proximity. Typical police response procedures do not allow patrol officers to gain early and close contact with potential predators. Instead, patrol first responders are directed to establish an outer perimeter to prevent escape. This passive and controlled slow response emboldens the potential homicidal and suicidal individual, and allows additional time to successfully execute their pre-determined massacre and suicide.
Question – Is it true that most American law enforcement agencies do NOT train, equip and authorize their patrol first responders to enter a school or other public structure following a report of an armed intruder entering the building?
Answer – Yes, this is true. The vast majority of police agencies will not allow a first responder to approach an armed individual in a public setting, as this activity is considered too dangerous to be considered for use by the patrol officer. Unless the sound (or other evidence) of continuing gunfire is detected, the first responder is required to wait outside, establish a perimeter, and gather information while awaiting the arrival of additional police and emergency personnel. Even in the case of an already “active shooter”, most police agencies require that first responders wait for the arrival of multiple officers before a plan can be established to enter a school or other public building and end the massacre.
Question – What can be done to save lives before or during a massacre?
Answer – American law enforcement agencies can choose to train and equip their patrol officers in “Patrol IARD” tactics. The portable, lightweight Baker Batshield® used by first responders trained in progressive “Patrol IARD” tactics enable rescuers to swiftly and aggressively pursue and gain close physical proximity with potentially homicidal and suicidal individuals.