NCJ Number
174178
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 46 Issue: 9 Dated: September 1998 Pages: 66-72
Date Published
1998
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article describes the growth, both in numbers and sophistication, of European versions of American Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams.
Abstract
Europe's open frontiers, excellent air and rail links, and close confines make the continent attractive to terrorists and convenient to organized crime groups. However, this has also benefited Europe's top police tactical squads, which cooperate significantly in training, joint exercises and special operations. The primary difference between European and American SWAT teams is that the Europeans entered these activities solely against terrorists, and trained under the work ethic that due process of the law meant all hostages remained alive and anyone who got in the way was killed. American SWAT teams began with the mind-set that they were after criminals--the crazy, the psychotic and the three-time losers--and battling terrorists is something new for them. American and European SWAT teams are similar in equipment, tactics, camaraderie, scope and skill.