Event Schedule

Detailed itinerary for the day’s presentations and debriefs.

0800–0830

Opening Remarks and Opening Ceremony

0830–0915

OTOA Awards Ceremony

0930–1130

The Evolution of Tactical Decision Making Over the Past 59 Years

Presented by LAPD Lt. Lee McMillion

The Evolution of Tactical Decision Making

Lt. McMillion will review the seminal events that have shaped LAPD SWAT's tactical decision-making priorities. He will explore the historical context that led to the creation of SWAT in Los Angeles, and how law enforcement practices, technology, court rulings, and community influence have impacted operations over nearly six decades.

LAPD SWAT has always been, and remains, a life-saving organization. To uphold this mission, D Platoon’s leadership emphasizes sound tactical decision-making and a philosophy focused on personal safety:

“Keep 'em safe and keep 'em out of trouble.”

1245–1415

Debrief: Utah Hostage Rescue with Sniper Resolution

In September 2021, a carjacking and attempted homicide suspect led police on a pursuit that ended in a crash in Farmington, Utah. The suspect fled into a residential area, triggering a K-9 search and perimeter lockdown.

After a gunshot was heard, both South Davis and North Davis Metropolitan SWAT teams responded. A local resident informed police that his family was being held hostage, and a juvenile managed to escape through a window.

Negotiations with the armed suspect lasted several hours. When the suspect brought the hostages to the door a second time, a sniper executed a hostage rescue shot, ending the incident.

1430–1600

Debrief: LAPD Hostage Rescue on a Bus

On September 25, 2024, a suspect hijacked a Metro bus in Los Angeles, killing one passenger and taking the driver and another passenger hostage during a low-speed pursuit.

Police deployed spike strips to stop the bus. LAPD SWAT then executed a tactical bus assault, rescuing the remaining hostages and taking the suspect into custody.

This debrief walks through the timeline—from the initial shots-fired call, to the pursuit, containment strategies, SWAT deployment, and the successful resolution.