THW Vol. 2, Issue 2
Activations
UCSB PD assist at Girvetz Hall
In June, UCSB PD and administrators requested the assistance of the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office for the removal of pro-Palestinian protestors that took over Girvetz Hall on campus. The protestors vandalized the building, barricaded points of entry, and were unwilling to surrender to school authorities. The Special Enforcement Team was activated and tasked with clearing the building, securing any remaining trespassers, and turning the building back over to UCSB authorities. UCSB made several warning announcements to vacate Girvetz Hall, and the occupiers fled before the arrival of SET. The building was searched and then turned over to UCSB without further incident.
The Special Enforcement Team may be activated day or night, 365 days per year. SET prides itself on the successful execution of any task they are assigned. SET’s mission-readiness and capabilities would not be possible without the equipment and training so graciously acquired through the efforts of the Santa Barbara Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation, Inc.
Training
Joint Training with VSFB Security Forces
The Special Enforcement Team recently conducted a joint training day with members of Vandenberg Space Force Base Security Forces personnel. The teams mainly worked on building search and room-clearing tactics and techniques. The teams also participated in micro-scenarios to improve tactics. SET was happy to host our partners from VSFB. We look forward to participating in future joint trainings with Security Forces and VSFB.
Team Range Day in Santa Ynez
A recent range day focused on confirming “zero,” rifle shooting fundamentals, and positional shooting. Operators also shot around barricades and implemented “height-over-bore” and offset drills.
DID YOU KNOW?
SET qualifies with pistols and rifles quarterly. It takes approximately 21,500 rounds per year for SET members just to qualify on their weapon systems. That number does not account for additional skill-building exercises or operators attending outside training classes. Members assigned to the long rifle cadre or members with alternate weapon systems require additional qualifications.
SET would not be able to maintain the proficiency the residents of Santa Barbara County deserve if not for the generous donations to the SBSET Support Foundation. The team could not do it without you. Thank you to all of the donors, past and present, for your generosity!
Bearcat and Water Monitor Training
The Special Enforcement Team operates two Lenco Bearcats. One is capable of being outfitted with a water monitor on the roof. This allows SET operators to fight fire in a tactical situation that is not safe for firefighters to enter. The water monitor is controlled by a joystick inside the Bearcat. Water is supplied to the Bearcat by hooking a firehose from the Bearcat to a fire hydrant. For even better water pressure regulation, a firehose can be connected from a hydrant to a Type I or Type II fire engine, and then from the fire engine to the Bearcat. Although rare, other tactical teams in the state and country have encountered tactical problems in which the suspect introduces fire to the situation. Having the ability to fight fire during a tactical problem is a capability SET is fortunate to have.
Rappel Training in Isla Vista
SET’s County Fire Medics recently led team training in rope safety and rappelling. Although the team does not rappel often, it is a perishable skill and many newer members had never rappelled before. SET members were educated on various knots, harnesses, improvised harnesses, and experienced various terrain in the Isla Vista area to complete training. The Medics ran a great training day which culminated with rappelling from a five-story parking structure at UCSB.
Equipment
Side Charlie Custom Tools 30” Extendable Halligan
Proficiency in methods of entry is the one constant of every SWAT operator. Whether it’s simply checking for an unlocked door or utilizing “quickie saws,” SET members can’t do their job if they can’t make entry. The “pick (Halligan) and ram” are the first tools any operator learns how to properly use. Some breachers go on to learn more specialized techniques, but the most common forcible tool is still the Halligan.
A quick history lesson on the Halligan: In 1916, Hugh Halligan was appointed to the Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and served until 1959. For 43 years, Chief Halligan devoted himself to the fire service, having served in all bureaus of the department and having risen to the rank of deputy chief. A few years after he joined the fire service, the FDNY adopted its first modern pry bar: the claw tool. The claw tool was heavy, hard to use, and hard to strike with because of an off-center striking surface. It had a claw on one end and forks on the other. As the story goes in FDNY history, bank robbers set fire to a bank to cover their tracks. During the overhaul, firefighters discovered the claw tool. Intrigued by its design and that it could be used to break into a bank, the firefighters adopted it, with replicas being produced until it was the adopted forcible entry tool for the FDNY.
The design has changed little over the years. The versatile Halligan can be used to pry, twist, punch, and strike. It can defeat almost any door or window and is very effective when proper technique is used. The tool consists of forks on one end with an adze (curved “bill”) and a pick on the other.
When SET members trained with Phoenix PD’s SAU, one of the SAU breachers introduced SET to the Side Charlie Custom Tools 30” Extendable Halligan. The Side Charlie Halligan retains all the benefits of a modern Halligan; however, it can be extended from 30” to up to 44”. The additional length provides 33% more leverage. It consists of drop-forged ends and alloy steel construction and can withstand the harsh rigors of any breaching task. When the forks are mated to a “McPeak wedge”, the Halligan can generate extensive prying power. SET will be putting the Halligan to use in future trainings and operations.
1st Annual Less Lethal Expo Hosted by LAPD
In June, four SET operators attended the 1st Annual Less Lethal Expo, hosted by the Los Angeles Police Department, at Elysian Park. The event was designed to bring together law enforcement and allow them to meet with manufacturers and representatives of less lethal technology, as well as see live demonstrations. SET was able to brief the team on some of the various technologies they observed. Less lethal technology continues to evolve, and SET looks to stay ahead by testing and evaluating products coming out to the law enforcement and tactical community.
Save the Date! - More details coming soon.
Honoring Our Fallen Legends
Retired Sgt. Jim Carroll passed away after a long battle with cancer on January 26, 2024. Jim was a sergeant on the Special Enforcement Team from April 1993 to October 1995. Jim was also instrumental in incorporating paramedics into SET; a practice that continues to this day and provides SET the most advanced medical capabilities of any team in the county. In addition to SET, Jim worked in Detention & Corrections, Patrol, Narcotics, Intelligence, Rangemaster, Courts, and Civil Bureau.
Jim is survived by his wife, Laura, and his children, Amanda and Tim. He also leaves behind two grandchildren. Thank you for your dedication and time to the team, Jim. Your impact is still felt over 30 years later.
Retired Sgt. Conn Abel passed away from a heart attack on July 23, 2024. Conn was assigned to Corrections, Patrol, Special Investigations, Narcotics, Training Bureau, Aviation Bureau, and New Cuyama as the resident deputy. Conn was also the Mountain Patrol Coordinator and assigned to the Special Enforcement Team. Prior to retiring in 2009, Conn was awarded the prestigious H. Thomas Guerry Award for Superior Performance. Conn is survived by his wife, Jennifer. Conn had a positive impact on many people during his career, and the members of SET would like to thank Conn for his contributions during his time with the team.
Questions, comments, or THW newsletter ideas can be sent to: matt@sbsetfoundation.org
