NCJ Number
188689
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 68-72
Date Published
March 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article discusses factors to consider when forming a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team.
Abstract
In a critical incident, most Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams will need approximately 21 officers to commit to their responses. This allows for a four-officer entry team, a four-officer secondary entry or emergency response team, a four-officer sniper complement, and eight officers to provide a containment function/perimeter team. Smaller agencies may work together, each agency providing some of the personnel, equipment, and funding needed to operate the team. A contract will be needed to specify officers' salaries, worker's compensation if injured, transportation, equipment, training, and authority. Each group of officers must be given authority to work in other jurisdictions, either by swearing-in or by special appointment as an incident presents itself. A commander of the entire group must be selected and authorized to take command irrespective of the jurisdiction where the incident occurs or the commander's regular assignment. The article describes criteria for selection into the team, the selection process, necessary equipment, initial training, and continuing on-the-job training.