Figure 1 Creating a gap at the metal flap by the locking mechanism.   Figure 2 This demonstrates the correct placement of the tools to breach the security door .   Figure 3 Defeating a padlock using the spike end of the hooligan.   Figure 4 Recommended tools for patrol officer. Approximate weight 13 lbs.

This is my fourth article on manual breaching. It was written to assist first-responder patrol officers who need to enter a fortified structure as quickly as possible during an emergency situation.

Scenario #1:

You’re on patrol and spot a residence on fire. The fire is out of control and involves most of the structure. You can hear a victim screaming for help from somewhere inside. You cannot open the front security door because it’s locked, so you look for other entry points. Every window and door is fortified with security bars or doors. You have no tools to breach those doors or windows, and are unable to gain access to the residence.

When the Fire Department arrives, they make short work of the security door and window bars using their breaching tools, and quickly extinguish the flames. Afterwards, you discuss the situation with a firefighter, and learn that there were fatalities – the victims were trapped in a bedroom. The security bars covering the windows were the old type; they weren’t equipped with a quick-release mechanism to allow for escape.

You realize that if you had the necessary tools, you would have been able to breach the front security door, and perhaps would have been able to extricate the victim before it was too late. The additional pieces of essential equipment, like the hooligan, 3 or 4 pound sledge hammer, and small bolt cutters, would easily fit in your cruiser, and would be well worth the additional weight (approximately eleven pounds total).

This scenario was not made up and has happened more that once.

Scenario #2:

You roll up to a traffic accident where the victim is trapped inside their vehicle and requires immediate medical treatment. You’re the first responder on-scene. If you had a hooligan and sledgehammer, you could breach the vehicle door and rescue the victim.

Scenario #3:

How about an active shooter situation? Would a bolt cutter, sledgehammer and hooligan help? The bolt cutter could be used to cut the lock off of perimeter gates, allowing your team to approach from the safest location and helping you to avoid being seen by the shooter(s). The tools could also be used to breach additional locked doors inside the building as you make your way to the suspect.

Most law enforcement personnel would agree that carrying a hooligan, sledge hammer, and bolt cutters would be extremely beneficial, but the majority of us have never been trained to use these tools. This article is designed to provide you with enough photo-assisted instruction to breach a security door.

The key to breaching a security door is to create a gap at the metal flap next to the locking mechanism by using the short end of the hooligan.  (Figure 1)

Using a three or four pound sledge, strike the flat edge of the hooligan to set the fork of the tool deeper into the gap. This will give you better bite and leverage to negotiate the lock. The sledge is light enough so most officers can strike the hooligan with one hand. Once you get the prying portion of the tool deep enough, you will pull the tool to your chest and at the same time step back with your right foot. See the photos for the correct positioning of these tools. (Figure 2)

In regards to defeating a padlock when stealth is not a factor, here is a tried-and-true technique that has been used extensively in the field:

Place the spike end of the hooligan between the shackle (the hooked part at the top that slides through a chain or a clasp before slipping inside the body of the lock) and the base of the lock as shown in the photo. Strike the flat end of the hooligan with the sledge hammer. This will force open the lock with one or more strikes. The point where the shackle engages the base is the weakest part of the lock and it is much harder to defeat when trying to cut with bolt cutters alone. (Figure 3)

Depending on where and which tools you purchase, the total shouldn’t exceed $100 to $120. (Figure 4)

You can purchase the mini pro-bar (hooligan) through Allstar Fire Equipment, Inc. located in Arcadia, CA. Phone: (626) 652-0900 - ask for Jason.

To purchase the entire package without hunting around click here browse our products page