Episode 66 – LAPD D-Platoon’s Approach to Hostage Rescue
Description
In this episode of The Debrief, host Jon Becker sits down with LAPD SWAT’s Jonathan Pultz, a 27-year veteran and D-Platoon element leader, to examine one of law enforcement’s most critical missions: hostage rescue. With D-Platoon conducting 120-150 high-risk operations annually, Pultz brings unparalleled operational experience to discuss LAPD SWAT’s methodologies and approach to hostage situations.
Through detailed analysis of two recent operations, this conversation explores tactical decision-making, crisis negotiation integration, and the lessons learned from over five decades of SWAT operations. Essential listening for tactical operators seeking insights from one of the world’s premier law enforcement units.
Episode Information
Episode Number: Season 07, Episode 01 (Episode 64)
Episode Title: LAPD D-Platoon’s Approach to Hostage Rescue
Guest(s): Jon Pultz
Air Date: January 14, 2026
Episode Length: 1:51:35
Guest Information
Jon Pultz
Topics Covered
[00:00:00] Introduction and Guest Background
Jon Pultz introduces his 27-year LAPD career and tactical expertise.
[00:03:16] Hostage Rescue as Ultimate Challenge
Discussing hostage rescue as the Super Bowl of special operations.
[00:08:27] Identifying True Hostage Situations
Determining whether incidents are genuine hostage situations versus false alarms.
[00:13:06] Problem Containment and Shrinking Perimeter
Strategic approach to containing and reducing the scope of incidents.
[00:18:34] Post-Containment Operations and Medical Planning
Planning next steps after containment including medical team positioning.
[00:23:59] Baby Hostage Case Study
Real incident involving hostage situation with an infant victim.
[00:27:38] Command Structure and Decision Authority
How LAPD defines desired outcomes and authority distribution in operations.
[00:32:53] Providing Options to Incident Commanders
Tactical teams offering multiple solution approaches to commanding officers.
[00:42:14] Front-End Planning and Preparation Emphasis
LAPD’s focus on thorough planning before executing tactical operations.
[00:46:43] Negotiation Integration and Practice
How negotiators get extensive practice and integrate with operations.
[00:53:50] Domestic Violence Hostage Case
Detailed walkthrough of specific domestic hostage situation and response.
[01:10:41] Body Camera Impact on Training
How body-worn cameras improved tactical training and documentation.
[01:15:17] Moving Bus Hostage Incident
Complex case involving hostage situation on moving public transit.
[01:27:19] Bus Assault Tactical Planning
Specific tactical approach and team assignments for bus entry.
[01:38:41] Equipment Challenges and Adaptations
Overcoming unexpected equipment failures during critical bus operation.
[01:46:33] Multi-Point Entry Coordination
Coordinating simultaneous entry from multiple bus access points.