One reader of The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander said,

“This book should be required reading for all SWAT officers, SWAT supervisors, and administrators in the SWAT chain of command; especially those in upper management. In addition to being the founder and first Director of the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), the author is literally one of the founding fathers of the SWAT concept.

In this book, Capt. Kolman provides simple lessons for the reader in the form of a story told about a new SWAT commander named Lt. Oversight who works for the fictional Amazing Police Department. The reader follows Lt. Oversight through a series of dreams where he gets multiple chances to respond to the same SWAT call out. The first time that Lt. Oversight responds to the call out, he makes a royal mess of things. However, much like Bill Murray's character in the movie, "Groundhog Day," Lt. Oversight is forced to repeat the same incident over and over again while he gradually improves upon his choices and actions. The reader is able to learn from Lt. Oversight's mistakes and see how he should have solved the tactical, logistical, and administrative problems that are all too common in SWAT call outs. In the end, Lt. Oversight finally gets it right.”

One reader of The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander said “This is a short book that can be read in one sitting. The appendices alone are worth the purchase of the book. Appenix A, (Lessons Learned) is a list of 24 tactical truths that are universally accepted within the SWAT community but which many Patrol, Negotiator (CNT), and Administrative types still need to be educated about. Appendix B is entitled, "Selected Suspect/SWAT Comparative Options." It is a sort of "if he does that then you do this" decision-making guide for SWAT commanders. While no competent SWAT commander should rely solely on a book for his decisions, this appendix will go a long way towards helping commanders formulate correct decisions which are on par with accepted industry standards. Appendix B in particular should be reproduced and laminated into a handy reference card for every SWAT supervisor to have on his person at all times.  If you are involved in SWAT and you are serious about becoming a better operator, team leader, commander, or administrator, then you need to read this book.”

A Guide to the Development of Special Weapons and Tactics Teams John Kolman  More Info The Trials And Tribulations Of Becoming A Swat Commander John A. Kolman  More Info Patrol Response to Contemporary Problems: Enhancing Performance of First Responders Through Knowledge And Experience Charles C. Thomas Publisher  More Info

One reader of Guide to the Development of Special Weapons and Tactics Teams said, “Probably the first book of its kind, it is a basic, albeit thorough, discussion on the development of SWAT teams. It provides an historical perspective with the reasons for why SWAT teams became necessary and how they have evolved through the years. Its fundamental approach assumes nothing and even the most novice could understand and apply the principles and techniques, up to and including selection procedures and training requirements. All in all, a must for agencies employing SWAT teams and/or similar tactical units.”