Undercover Angel From Beauty Queen to SWAT Team…a true story
Excerpt from: Lisa Lockwood’s Book

I had the privilege of being sent to a two-week DEA multi-agency training course in Springfield, Illinois. It was similar to Basic SWAT school in that we were re-introduced to search warrant tactics and case law.
One training day, we were randomly divided into four teams of twelve for field exercises. The DEA managed to acquire the use of a dilapidated prison compound earmarked for destruction. We donned our SWAT gear and supplied ourselves with a full equipment load. As we assembled in the gymnasium, a team of cameramen and a reporter from NBC News arrived.

After a brief conversation between the reporter and DEA Agent Steele, I was approached by the duo. “Lisa, NBC News would like to interview you regarding your perspective on this DEA Course,” Steele said. How the heck did they decide to choose me for this? I wondered as my heart pounded in my chest.
Wide-eyed, I responded, “Sure.”

In my navy blue SWAT uniform, no make-up, and a black bandanna around my head, I answered the reporter’s questions. “I felt privileged to be attending the course. The ability to train under a Federal Agency like the DEA was an honor...”

Afterward, we assembled on a stairwell in the prison to begin briefing for our first scenario. Steele explained that three prisoners responsible for killing a guard had last been seen on the third floor of the building. “You have exactly three minutes to devise a plan and capture the offenders,” said Steele. A moment later the news crew appeared again. Steele added: “By the way, the news team will be wearing protective helmets and goggles and filming the operation. Who’s your team leader?” Five men pointed to me at once. What? Not again? “Get your team briefed, Lockwood!” he commanded, before disappearing into corridor.

With the light of the news camera blinding my eyes and eleven men waiting for instructions, there was no time to ask, How did this happen, again? Instead I thought, Of course they want me as a team leader; they witnessed me coolly respond to the reporter earlier and some of them were exposed to my running a successful operation in basic SWAT school. NOT! I was their sacrificial lamb and none of them wanted to be responsible for failing with the knowledge it could potentially be aired on television. I must admit, I did share that fear, but I’d learned to turn fear into action. I assigned everyone to their positions, performed a radio headset check, and we “went live.”

Our team stealthily scurried through the corridor and ducked down into an elevator foyer, where we regrouped. Leaving our hallway cover guards in position, I and six members of the team performed a dynamic entry into the room. Mattresses were strewn about, wall lockers doors nearly pulled from their hinges, as we bellowed, “Police, get down on the ground!” in order to dominate the area. One prisoner was rapidly swooped up by two of my men during the stampede; a moment later a gunshot pierced the musty prison air. The bullet ricocheted off of a metal locker and into the concrete cinder block wall as four of us dove for cover. I found myself squatting behind a concrete support post, watching as two of my men skidded on their bellies out into the corridor. The camera crew found themselves in the middle of our gun battle as I and a hallway cover officer unloaded our weapons into the corner from which the first bullet originated. During our reload, we noted no return fire from the prisoner. Our bunker/shield guy was summoned into the room to approach the corner and move an overturned desk—where we hoped our gunman lie dead.

After a swift sweep of the desk, lo and behold, prisoners number two and three had “expired.” No member of my team was injured, and the threat was successfully extinguished. The camera crew and Steele applauded our efforts. A clip of my interview and our prisoner apprehension scenario highlighted the evening news.
I have no doubt I have an angel watching over me.

Lisa Lockwood, Chicago, Il 60609
Book Available at: www.LisaLockwood.com, www.BarnesandNoble.com, www.Amazon.com