Current Threats to Tactical Units & Less Lethal Evolution

Current Threats to Tactical Units & Less Lethal Evolution

EPISODE DESCRIPTION

Steve Ijames has spent over four decades shaping how American law enforcement approaches force—less lethal and otherwise. From building Springfield PD's tactical team from scratch in 1988 to authoring IACP model policies and serving as an expert witness in cases like Ferguson and George Floyd, Ijames has seen the evolution of tactical policing from the inside.

In this episode, Jon Becker sits down with Ijames to trace the history of less lethal force, the current threats facing tactical units, and the lessons learned from a career spent at the intersection of policy, practice, and high-stakes incidents.

EPISODE INFORMATION

Episode Number: Season 08, Episode 01 (Episode 74)

Episode Title: Current Threats to Tactical Units & Less Lethal Evolution

Guest(s): Steve Ijames

Air Date: September 17, 2026

Episode Length: 1:44:42

TOPICS COVERED

[00:00:00]Introduction and Guest Background

Host introduces episode topic and Steve Ijames' expert background in major use-of-force cases.

[00:01:57]Early Career Origins in Policing

Ijames recounts entering patrol work and early career path in Missouri.

[00:05:07]Overseas Impact Projectile Injuries

Discussion of studying impact projectile injuries from international sources and operations.

[00:11:03]SWAT Team Expansion History

Tracing SWAT team growth from LAPD's 1971 origins to major 1984 expansion.

[00:11:57]Militarization Debate and Critics

Addressing critics like Radley Balko and Peter Kraska on police militarization concerns.

[00:16:02]If-Then Contingency Planning Philosophy

Explaining team debrief process and if-then contingency planning methodology.

[00:18:04]Northern Ireland Less-Lethal Influence

International influence from Northern Ireland shaping extended-range less-lethal development.

[00:19:57]Networking Across Agencies for Innovation

Collaborating with LA, SEB, and Prince George's County to develop less-lethal tools.

[00:22:00]Beanbag Round Development and Safety

Evolution of 12-gauge beanbag rounds and efforts to reduce injury risks.

[00:31:01]Taser Technology Evolution (X26)

Discussion of Taser development from early models to the more powerful X26.

[00:35:50]OC Spray Introduction and Incidents

Early OC spray deployment stories, including notable field incidents and lessons.

[00:38:54]Defining Effective Use-of-Force Outcomes

Framework for evaluating what 'works' in force applications and lawful objectives.

[00:48:43]Career Path Into Practices Expertise

Ijames reflects on becoming a leading police practices and tactics expert.

[00:53:55]Debunking Militarization Criticisms

Ijames challenges the 'militarization' narrative and demands evidence-based standards.

[00:58:46]Dynamic Entry Tactics Debate

Examining claims that dynamic entry tactics are outdated, referencing Cato Institute critiques.

[01:04:58]National Standards and Team Capability Gaps

Discussing inconsistent national standards and disparities in tactical team readiness.

[01:08:43]Reactive Training and Funding Problems

Critiquing reactive equipment/training decisions driven by incidents rather than proactive planning.

[01:10:45]Safety Prioritization Framework Introduced

Introducing officer-suspect interaction safety prioritization as core tactical concept.

[01:19:02]Policy Education and Chief Accountability

Story illustrating educating command staff on their own signed safety policies.

[01:26:00]Officer Gun Retention Historical Problem

Historical analysis of officers dying from their own weapons during struggles.

[01:31:48]Officer Safety as Primary Analysis Factor

Argument that officer safety must be the first consideration in force analysis.

[01:37:42]Breonna Taylor Case Analysis

Analyzing the Breonna Taylor case through action-versus-reaction and coordination failures.

[01:42:30]Racial Dynamics in Force Encounters

Candid discussion of racial dynamics often present in handcuffing and force incidents.

[01:43:28]Closing Thoughts on Preparing Officers

Final reflections on equipping and preparing officers through proper if-then planning.