The dynamics of an entry team by Sergeant Pat Lycett Training Section, STAR Division Somewhere out there on a cold winter's night a domestic disturbance fuelled by liquor, misguided passion and a firearm suddenly explodes into violence. Shots are fired, hostages are taken, police including the STAR Division and negotiators arrive.
Cordons are placed, neighbours are evacuated, contact is made with the gunman.
The situation is deteriorating rapidly, negotiations are breaking down, lives are in danger, time is simply running out. The police tactical commander has requested the formation of the entry line . Anyone who has ever worked in STAR Division or any other tactical police unit has confronted that situation many times both in real terms and in training. The entry line is simply a group of specially trained police officers who form a buildings entry team. There are several types of entry teams who use varying tactics and numbers of personnel, dependant upon the size and type of situation facing them.