On July 2, 2020, members of the Hastings Police Department responded to a dispute at a mobile home park. Upon their arrival, officers were directed to a nearby trailer where an adult female and two children met them. Those three parties exited the home, and the door slammed shut. A male inside threatened to shoot the officers, and the racking of a firearm could be heard. It was also determined two additional children remained inside the home. The male refused to allow the juveniles to leave the residence. A 15-hour hostage situation ensued. The incident was ultimately resolved after a command-initiated deliberate hostage rescue. The rescue involved South Metro SWAT, Washington County SWAT, and Ramsey County SWAT members.

This debrief will discuss the challenges faced, including the complexity of a deliberate hostage rescue involving three different teams, navigating command, control, and operational transitions between SWAT teams, and combating extreme heat and fatigue. The importance of building relationships prior to incidents and the need to initiate calls to backup teams will be emphasized. Most teams will eventually experience an event that exceeds the capabilities of the team, and many of the needs and challenges encountered during this incident will be discussed.

Adam Tschida has served as a police officer for over 17 years in Apple Valley, MN. For nine of those years, he has held the rank of sergeant. During his tenure with Apple Valley, he has spent time as a field training officer, firearms instructor, and training program coordinator. In addition, he has been a member of the South Metro SWAT Team since 2010. South Metro SWAT provides tactical service to 13 agencies across Dakota and Rice Counties. Over the last decade, Adam has risen through the ranks of South Metro SWAT's leadership, ultimately being promoted to team commander in early 2020. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in criminology from the University of Minnesota-Duluth and a master of arts degree in public safety administration from St. Mary's University, MN.

Jeff Hanson has been a member of the Lakeville Police Department since 2003. He holds two applied sciences degrees, one in computer science and one in law enforcement, both of which he earned from Normandale Community College. He also has a bachelor's degree in police science from the University of St Mary's Minnesota as well as a master's degree in police leadership from the University of St Thomas. Additionally, Jeff is a graduate of Northwestern University of Police Staff and Command class #532. Throughout his career, Jeff has been a member of many supplemental assignments including Drug Task Force Agent, K-9, Community Response Team, and SWAT CNT. He is currently a day watch patrol sergeant and oversees Lakeville's mobile field force team.

Daniel Salmey has been a member of the South St. Paul Police Department, MN since 2010. He holds an associate degree in law enforcement from Fond Du Lac Tribal and Community College and a bachelor’s degree in criminology from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Additionally, Daniel is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command class #532. Throughout his career with the South St. Paul PD, he has had many assignments including school resource officer, investigator, firearm and less lethal instructor, SWAT operator, and SWAT team leader. Daniel is currently a commander of investigations/support services.