NCJ Number
55409
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 27 Issue: 3 Dated: (MARCH 1979) Pages: 12,14-15,70
Date Published
1979
Length
4 pages
Annotation
THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS IS PROVIDING THREAT MANAGEMENT TRAINING TO SMALL NEW ENGLAND POLICE FORCES. THIS PILOT PROJECT, CONDUCTED WITHOUT CHARGE TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, IS DESCRIBED IN DETAIL.
Abstract
SMALL POLICE FORCES CAN AFFORD NEITHER THE TRAINING TIME NOR THE DEPLOYMENT OF SPECIAL OFFICERS TO A SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICAL (SWAT) UNIT. HOWEVER, LOCAL POLICE ARE OFTEN THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE WHEN TERRORISTS ATTACK OR OTHER THREATS OCCUR. IN NEW ENGLAND THE U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS HAS 42 PROJECTS WHICH ARE VULNERABLE TO TERRORIST ATTACK. IT, THEREFORE, IS OFFERING SWAT-TYPE TRAINING TO LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENTS IN THE AREA. THIS TRAINING IS UNDER THE DIRECTION OF A VIETNAM COMBAT VETERAN WITH EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THIS SPECIALIZED TYPE OF WORK. THE TACTICS USED TO TRAIN LOCAL OFFICERS ARE DESCRIBED IN DETAIL. THE COURSE USES A COMBINATION OF CLASSROOM LECTURES, PRINTED MATERIALS, AND SITUATIONAL EXERCISES. LOCAL SHOPPING CENTERS, BOWLING ALLEYS, AND OTHER SITES ARE USED TO SET UP REALISTIC HOSTAGE SITUATIONS. THE TRAINING ALSO COVERS SWEEP-SEARCH TECHNIQUES AND 'OFFICER SURVIVAL' STRATEGIES. THE TRAINING SCHEDULE IS SET UP IN COOPERATION WITH THE LOCAL POLICE DEPARTMENT. AN ADDRESS IS INCLUDED FOR POLICE OFFICIALS WISHING MORE INFORMATION. (GLR)