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SHREVEPORT, La. — Law enforcement from Caddo and DeSoto parishes took part in specialized training this week focused on safely clearing buildings during low-risk calls, a skill local deputies say is increasingly necessary.
The second day of training was held at the abandoned E.B. Williams Stoner Hill Elementary Lab School, where officers learned “deliberate entry tactics” — techniques used to safely enter and clear buildings during calls such as domestic violence incidents or warrant executions.
Deputy Cory Bourn with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office said a rise in domestic violence calls has increased the need for these skills.
“We’ve got to go in and rescue those people,” Bourn said. “We’ve got to neutralize that threat and then deal with those who are wounded or injured. We’re handling more deliberate rescues than we have before.”
The training comes just months after Vivian Police Officer Marc Brock was shot and killed while attempting to execute a warrant. Although the sessions were scheduled before Brock’s death, officer safety was a central focus of the training.
Phillip Groff, owner of Vigor Training and the external expert leading the course, said officers nationwide are frequently injured or killed during search-and-entry calls.
“It is an area where, unfortunately, we do see officers hurt and killed throughout the years conducting these types of calls,” Groff said. “The goal is to locate a suspect, take them into custody safely and not get hurt.”
Bourn said the newly learned techniques will be incorporated into police academy training and shared with other agencies in the region.
Training will continue at various locations through the end of the week.