NCJ Number
122076
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 56 Issue: 11 Dated: (November 1989) Pages: 53,55-57
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article reports the results of a mail survey of 456 police departments in U.S. cities with populations over 50,000 to determine their policies for selecting and training personnel for special weapons and tactical (SWAT) units.
Abstract
Survey results suggest that police executives may not be giving sufficient attention to psychological characteristics in selecting SWAT team members. They may be selecting personnel under the assumption that a person psychologically suited for general police duties will be effective as a SWAT officer. Consequently, they are more inclined to base SWAT personnel choices on other factors such as physical fitness, marksmanship ability, general performance evaluation, and tenure with the department. Regarding training, survey results indicate that unit commanders are interested in comprehensive, realistic, relevant training that begins at the time of unit assignment and continues for the duration of team membership. Commanders favor a general expansion of instructional activities with improved coordination of programs, courses, and resources among police agencies at local, State and Federal levels. 2 tables, 2 notes.