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Doctrine now says that first responders should engage the shooter not wait for SWAT, but that does not mean SWAT has no role to play in ending the carnage.

Since Columbine, law enforcement active shooter response has evolved from surround and wait for SWAT to first responder rapid intervention. My last two SWAT columns have been devoted to the discussion of immediate intervention by first responders acting alone. Now, let’s discuss the role of SWAT during these incidents.

In Columbine’s wake, the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) developed the rapid deployment first-responder team tactic currently in use throughout the nation. But in many, if not most, departments, officers from the SWAT team conduct the active shooter training program.

Which raises the question of SWAT’s role in active shootings. Will it be as trainers? Will it be as mop up? ...