From day one, we LEO’s are taught to approach suspects in the teams while using "contact and cover" whenever we have to deal with them. Although this advice is very handy other threats in surrounding areas must be considered as well. In 2003, I had a lot of revelations when I came back from Iraq.

A 360-degree security technique is very common in soldiers. In Iraq, if we were a team of 10, then four of us used to deal directly with the subjects while the other six would make a barricade or a parameter around us and keeping the external or side threats away from us. If this practice is successful over there, why can't we use it here?



Gang members hold advantages in their "holes" or backyards, and they enjoy support from the neighborhood as well. Also, the neighborhood can be hostile towards law enforcement agencies, just like a football game where the crowd can affect your game negatively.