
Photo by Scott Lovejoy
This past weekend I shot a SWAT training video. I had no idea what to expect save for the fact that the tactical guys (the ones who break down doors) were going to be in full gear and they were going to be running a major scenario.
The shoot took place in an abandoned prison in southern Massachusetts. Dave, the trainer who was kind enough to tour us around the place, swore that the prison was haunted and that he got the creeps from time to time. This coming from a military trainer! Yikes!
The presence of cameras was a surprise to the SWAT team members. There was a little grumbling, but they took it in stride. Then the training began; a 911 call on a domestic dispute. An officer investigated the scene and had a gun waved in his face. He left the scene and SWAT got called in. What do you do..... GO!
It was really intense. I spent most of the time with the negotiating team, and it was riveting. When I first heard that everything was simulated, I was like "There's no way they can take this seriously. I mean, it's just pretend." But they DID take it seriously, and at many moments, I completely forgot that it was a training session. When certain "plot twists" occured, I remember thinking, "No way... they're totally screwed now." It was really amazing.
In addition to the training video, I hope to edit a 2-3min experimental documentary on the subject. Keep watch for it. And there's word that more SWAT sessions will be occurring in the future! I can't wait.
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