NCJ Number
198048
Journal
Tactical Response Volume: 1 Issue: 1 Dated: 2002 Pages: 16,18,20
Date Published
2002
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This article offers recommendations for keeping SWAT officers interested in fulfilling their duties.
Abstract
The authors explain that training an officer to become an elite SWAT team member is a time consuming and expensive process for law enforcement departments. As such, it is important that SWAT team members stay with the SWAT program. The authors offer 10 recommendations in this article for keeping SWAT team members together and operating as an elite unit. The recommendations include keeping the officers motivated by presenting challenges in training and exposing officers to realistic hazards, keeping within group rivalries to a minimum, and maintaining high levels of physical fitness. Other recommendations are that promotions be made based on skills rather than rank, that the egos of the SWAT officers be kept in check, and that officers who are apathetic about the job be allowed to leave freely. While it is important to retain SWAT team members, the authors explain that it is better for disenchanted officers to leave the program rather than risk affecting the attitudes of the other team members. In conclusion, the authors maintain that the motivation of the team commander is the key to keeping a SWAT team together and operating effectively.