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AY 01 SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Teams

Last modified by superadmin on 2021/05/13 19:17

Washington County Sheriff's Office

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISION

Policy Manual

Volume: AY

Contingency Management

Chapter: 01

SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Teams

Replaces and/or Supersedes:

None.

Published:

03/21/2011

Review Date:

05/13/2021

Sheriff Cory Pulsipher

Undersheriff Bart Bailey

TABLE OF CONTENTS

AY 01_101  Distribution

AY 01_102  Definitions

AY 01_103  General

AY 01_104  Organization

AY 01_105  Selection

AY 01_106  Activation and Deployment

AY 01_107  Jurisdiction

AY 01_108  Incident Command System

AY 01_109  WC SWAT Responsibilities

AY 01_110  Use of Force

AY 01_111  Training

AY 01_112  Physical Fitness Standards

AY 01_113  Uniform Standards

AY 01_114  Equipment Standards

AY 01_115  Firearms Standards

AY 01_116  Specialized Equipment

AY 01_117  Standards of Conduct

AY 01_118  Record Keeping

AY 01_119  Media & Public Relations

AY 01_112  After-Action Debriefing

AY 01_101  DISTRIBUTION

Restricted.

AY 01_102  DEFINITIONS

  1. WCSO:  Washington County Sheriff's Office
  2. SWAT:  Special Weapons and Tactics
  3. WC SWAT:  Washington County Special Weapons and Tactics
  4. FEMA:  Federal Emergency Management Agency
  5. IC:  Incident Commander
  6. ICS:  Incident Command System

AY 01_103  GENERAL

  1. Policy:
    1. The WCSO shall maintain a SWAT team to assist with the safest resolution to critical incidents (WC SWAT).
  2. Rationale:
    1. The utilization of highly trained and highly skilled law enforcement tactical teams has been demonstrated globally to substantially reduce the risk of injury and loss of life to citizens, officers, and suspects.
    2. A SWAT team provides organized responses to critical and high-risk situations which are beyond the standard training or capabilities of other departmental units.

AY 01_104  ORGANIZATION

  1. Policy:
    1. The WC SWAT team may include other agencies (in addition to the WCSO) that enter into mutual aid agreements with the WCSO.
    2. Members of the WCSO and members of other agencies, as allowed by mutual aid agreements, may hold various positions, including positions of command (e.g., team leaders). However, the WCSO shall maintain administrative supervision of the WC SWAT team (i.e., SWAT Commander).
  2. Rationale:
    1. Through a mutual aid agreement, resources may be maximized for greater effectiveness and efficiency.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The team is comprised of the number of members deemed appropriate by the SWAT Commander, with approval from the Sheriff.
    2. The WC SWAT team may be comprised of sub-teams including, but not limited to:
      1. Arrest/Rescue Team:  It is the function of this team to support the entry team by taking control of the suspect(s) if called upon to do so by the Entry Team leader. The Arrest/Rescue team is responsible for assisting with or providing for the rescue of any downed officer on the entry team, may be deployed in advance of the entry team in order to affect the arrest of a suspect who leaves a locale prior to the entry team being deployed, and functions as a secondary entry team when circumstances dictate the necessity for same.
      2. Breaching Team:  Members of this team will be integrated into other teams. They are responsible for gaining access to a target location by utilizing breaching tools to include, but not limited to: pry tools, rams, frangible shotgun rounds, and explosives.
      3. Containment Team:  Establishes inner containment in order to isolate, contain, and prevent the free movement of the suspect(s) from a location. This team ideally includes riflemen (carbines), tear gas deployment cells (gas man and BUG (back-up gas)) and canine.
      4. Entry Team:  Consists of any number of personnel depending upon the nature and complexity of the operation. It is the function of an entry team to gain interior access to a locale for the purpose of locating, identifying, and arresting/detaining any suspect(s) while providing for the rescue of any person(s) held hostage. Entries can be covert, involving slow calculated movement throughout a location, or dynamic, involving more rapid search techniques such as in high-risk warrant service or hostage rescue. The entry team may include a scout and back-up, a team leader, a fourth and fifth man, a breacher, a less-lethal operator, and a rifleman.
      5. Less Lethal Team:  Members of this team may be integrated into other teams or may function as an independent entity when called upon to assist patrol or detectives with suspects who have been isolated and where it is deemed appropriate to endeavor to deliver necessary force from a distance which falls short of force likely to cause serious physical injury or death.
      6. Marksman Team:  This team serves as cover for the entry team at the time and point of entry, provides intelligence to the Command Post concerning the actions and movement of the suspect(s), and provides precision shot placement. A cell of this team may consist of a marksman (sniper) and a sniper observer. The sniper and sniper observer may rotate assignments throughout an operation.
    3. The team shall be organized with the following positions (team member may hold more than one position):
      1. SWAT Commander (SC);
      2. Team Leader (TL);
      3. Tactical Operations Coordinator (TOC);
      4. Assistant Team Leader (ATL);
      5. Communications;
      6. Team Members;
      7. SWAT Medic.

AY 01_105  SELECTION

  1. Policy:
    1. The SWAT Commander shall be designated by the Sheriff.
    2. Member selection is based upon their overall qualifications and experience.
    3. In addition to qualifications and experience, selection of team leaders shall depend on an ability to function within the team, as a leader.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Since the Sheriff maintains responsibility for the WC SWAT team, it is appropriate that the Sheriff selects the SWAT Commander.
    2. Due to the nature and demands of SWAT tasks and assignments, minimum criteria and qualifications should be met and maintained for SWAT member selection.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The selection process for team leaders and members shall be as determined by the SWAT Commander.
    2. Applicants must demonstrate that they meet the following minimum criteria in order to be considered for selection:
      1. Intelligence, articulateness, discipline, even-temper, and integrity;
      2. Sound judgment and ability to function in stressful situations;
      3. Satisfactory job performance in present and previous assignments and productivity, initiative, and motivation in all work assignments;
      4. Good writing skills;
      5. Physical fitness requirements defined within this policy;
      6. Proficiency with departmental weapons.
      7. Ability to work harmoniously within a structured team environment and be compatible with the existing team personnel.
      8. Ability to follow orders.
    3. Once selected, accepted, and assigned to the WC SWAT team, personnel must maintain acceptable standards of performance. Failure to meet the minimum acceptable standards will result in a team member being placed on temporary non-deployable status for a period of time not to exceed three months. Failure to meet the minimum acceptable standards within the three-month period may result in immediate removal from the team. Being placed on non-deployable status twice with a 2-year period may result in immediate removal from the team. An exception to the three month limitation on non-deployable status may be made for those personnel who suffer a disabling injury. Exceptions shall be addressed on a case-by-case basis by the SWAT Commander.
    4. A team member may voluntarily withdraw from the team at any time and for any reason. A team member may be removed from the team, without cause, when deemed necessary for the good of the team by a consensus of the Team Leaders and with approval from the SWAT Commander. There is not a guarantee that members will be compensated beyond their regular pay.
    5. SWAT Medics will be selected from available, interested and qualified EMT, Paramedics, or medical personnel such as doctors. Medics will be screened through the WCSO. The SWAT medical unit may consist of members deemed appropriate by the SWAT Commander.

AY 01_106  ACTIVATION AND DEPLOYMENT

  1. Policy:
    1. Activation of the WC SWAT team takes precedence over all other non-emergency member assignments. WC SWAT team members become subject to the WC SWAT team authority during activation.
    2. WC SWAT team activation may be requested by any law enforcement agency within Washington County. Emergency activation may be approved by any team member. The SWAT Commander shall be notified as soon as possible. Non-emergency and planned event activation shall be approved by the SWAT Commander or designee.
    3. Responses to locations outside of Washington County shall require authorization from the Sheriff or designee (team members may be alerted to standby pending final authorization).
    4. Any SWAT member who has consumed alcohol or taken medications that make them impaired shall not deploy for a call-out. The member will reply to the call-out by contacting the SWAT Commander or Team Leader via telephone.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Deployment chain-of-command must be followed in order to maintain organizational integrity and prevent miscommunication.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The WC SWAT team may be requested to respond to the following type of incidents or events (but not limited to):
      1. Hostage;
      2. Barricaded suspect(s);
      3. High-risk warrant service;
      4. High-risk arrests;
      5. Active shooter;
      6. Civil disturbances (including crowd control);
      7. Rescue (e.g., downed citizen or officer);
      8. Dignitary or VIP protection;
      9. Correctional facility disturbances;
      10. Pre-planned special events.
    2. Upon receipt of an activation request, the WC SWAT team member shall immediately:
      1. Contact the WC SWAT Commander (for valid and invalid requests);
      2. If the request is deemed invalid, contact the WC SWAT Commander.
      3. If the WC SWAT Commander cannot be readily contacted, the next in command shall be contacted (e.g., designee or Team Leader).

AY 01_107  JURISDICTION

  1. Policy:
    1. WC SWAT shall not supersede jurisdictional law enforcement authority. Instead, WC SWAT shall operate as a tool to the requesting agency in need. However, WC SWAT shall maintain command of their entire team.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Elected officials and jurisdictional authorities have been entrusted by the public to serve their respective areas. As such, they shall maintain authority within their jurisdictions.

AY 01_108  INCIDENT COMMAND SYSTEM

  1. Policy:
    1. WC SWAT shall initiate, if not already initiated, the Incident Command System (ICS) as outlined by FEMA.
  2. Rationale:
    1. A coordination of efforts and resources may allow for an emergency situation to be managed more effectively and efficiently.
  3. Procedure:
    1. For pre-planned events/operations (e.g., high-risk warrant service, VIP protection), WC SWAT will utilize a written plan. The written process will include documentation of how the operation is to be conducted; what support is required; and command, control, and communication issues. In planning for the execution of search and/or arrest warrants, SWAT shall evaluate the appropriateness of the use of SWAT using the Tactical Risk Matrix.
    2. For emergency call-out situations, the ranking officer at the scene will assume command as the Incident Commander (IC) until specifically relieved according to ICS protocol. In conjunction with other ICS duties, the IC should request as much assistance as necessary to accomplish the following:
      1. Inform the shift supervisor and dispatch concerning the nature and circumstances surrounding the incident;
      2. Maintain a chronological log of all activities and events;
      3. Determine if a crime has been committed. If so, cause a crime report to be generated documenting all offenses committed by the suspect(s);
      4. Request response by the SWAT and Hostage Negotiation teams;
      5. Establish a staging area for SWAT personnel;
      6. Assign a Public Information Officer (PIO);
      7. Establish a Command Post in a safe and accessible area, outside the suspect’s sight and line of fire;
      8. Establish a safe route to a designated staging and check-in area for responding personnel;
      9. Obtain the phone number of the location and the location of phone(s) within the structure, if applicable;
      10. Secure a radio frequency dedicated to the incident;
      11. Stage ambulances and fire department personnel in the area;
      12. Designate a location for responding media representatives to assemble away from the Command Post.
      13. Do not permit friends, relatives or others to enter the location (they could become hostages);
      14. Do not allow the suspect(s) to leave the location with hostage(s);
      15. Obtain as much information as possible about the suspect(s) and hostage(s) including: Name, physical description, clothing description, military background, criminal history, weapons, mental state, relationship between suspect and hostage;
      16. If possible, obtain a drawing or floor plan of the location and identify any hazards present (e.g., dogs, fencing, explosives, chemicals, etc.);
      17. Develop any and all information which may be pertinent to the operation;
      18. Rescue and evacuate injured persons as reasonably feasible;
      19. Contain and isolate the scene;
      20. Establish inner containment to provide a reasonable degree of safety while confining the movement of the suspect(s);
      21. Establish an outer perimeter to control vehicle and pedestrian traffic into the areas;
      22. If safe to do so, evacuate occupants of buildings in the area or others who may be placed in danger by the circumstances surrounding the incident;
      23. Locate and interview victims and witnesses. Try to persuade victims and witnesses to remain available for additional information. Try to persuade anyone with information about suspects (e.g., relatives, friends, neighbors, etc.) to remain in the vicinity for questioning by SWAT and Hostage Negotiation team members;
      24. Prior to the arrival of SWAT command, the first team member on scene will assume command of SWAT (not the incident). Upon the arrival of the SWAT Commander, Team Leader or Assistant Team Leaders command will transfer accordingly.
      25. Upon the arrival of SWAT personnel, ensure that unnecessary personnel leave the area. Instruct relieved officers to report for debriefing and reassignment or release to normal duties. Patrol officers or detectives involved in an incident in which SWAT has been deployed should not initiate tactical actions, other than those necessary to protect the lives and safety of themselves or others consistent with the department’s use of force policy and state law. All officers should follow the direction of the IC.
    3. WC SWAT should operate within the Operations Section of the ICS, as directed by the IC. The following actions may be taken by WC SWAT, under the direction of the IC, if applicable to the situation:
      1. The SWAT Commander or a SWAT Team Leader will contact the Incident Commander to obtain pertinent information concerning the incident and to receive mission assignment(s) from the IC. Prior to formulating any tactical plan, it is critical that the assigned mission be clearly defined and understood by those participating.
      2. The SWAT Team Commander and SWAT Team Leader will assess the situation, develop strategic and tactical plans, and act to accomplish their assigned mission. The SWAT Commander will make all tactical decisions within mission assignments. Neither the IC nor any other department member will attempt to direct SWAT personnel in individual or team tactics or strategy within their mission assignments (The SWAT Commander is subordinate to the Incident Commander in terms of when and if a tactical option will be initiated. How it will be tactically accomplished is the decision of SWAT command);
      3. SWAT will provide the IC with situational updates and possible alternative recommendations;
      4. A briefing will be held for all SWAT personnel, during which time, team assignments will be made and equipment needs determined. In extraordinary circumstances where there is an immediate threat to public safety, members may be deployed with only limited information;
      5. Containment/perimeter and marksman/spotter teams will be deployed as soon as practical to relieve the inner perimeter held by non-SWAT officers;
      6. Arrest/Rescue teams will be staged and available for immediate deployment;
      7. Entry teams will (if feasible) rehearse anticipated movements in a secured, taped area or in a nearby structure with similar floor plan;

AY 01_109  WC SWAT RESPONSIBILITIES

  1. Policy:
    1. Team positions shall have specific responsibilities.
    2. Team members should operate in compliance with the responsibilities of the position(s) of their assignment.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Organizational criteria are necessary in order to maintain the highest level of safety and effectiveness.
  3. Procedure:
    1. It is the responsibility of the various team leaders to insure that their respective team members:
      1. Report to the Command Post for sign-in prior to deploying;
      2. Are adequately briefed and updated regarding the incident, the overall tactical plan, and their individual assignments;
      3. All have communications capability;
      4. Maintain discipline and weapon fire control;
      5. Report to the Command Post after conclusion of assignments for sign-out before leaving.
    2. SWAT COMMANDER (SC):
      1. Responsible and accountable for the overall operation of the WC SWAT team. Responsible for the overall team activity and the accomplishment of the mission as assigned by the Incident Commander. Should the SWAT Commander not be available, the SWAT Team Leader shall act in this capacity.
      2. Direct supervisor of the Team Leader;
      3. Responsible for conducting a yearly review of policies and procedures which regulate the team.
    3. TEAM LEADER (TL):
      1. Function as leaders of the various components within the team.
      2. Responsible for formulation and implementation of the tactical plan (subject to approval by the SWAT Commander).
      3. Control and coordinate the actions of individual team members pursuant to the tactical plan.
      4. Responsible for those administrative duties necessary for the accountability of the team, including maintenance of training documents, records, SWAT Activation Reports, etc.
      5. Compile information developed from interviews with victims, witnesses, relatives, etc.
      6. Assist the SWAT Commander in acquiring information, analyzing information, updating team leaders, and modifying plans as needed.
      7. Coordinate with crisis negotiators at the scene (e.g., barricade, hostage incidents, etc.).
      8. In the absence of the SWAT Commander, Team Leaders will be responsible for the overall tactical operation.
    4. ASSISTANT TEAM LEADERS (ATL):
      1. Command the various components which comprise the team (i.e., entry, perimeter, marksman, and arrest/rescue teams);
      2. Responsible for the functional direction of their team at the scene of a tactical response;
      3. Assist in developing and implementing tactical plans in accordance with the SWAT mission;
      4. Assist in the administrative controls, planning and implementation, and team inspections of the WC SWAT training program;
      5. Act as Training Officer: Responsible for the planning and implementation of the team’s tactical and firearms training program;
      6. Act as Equipment Officer: Responsible for the supply and maintenance of issued equipment to all WC SWAT personnel.
    5. TACTICAL OPERATIONS COORDINATOR (TOC):
      1. Reports to the SWAT Commander;
      2. Coordinates operations of various SWAT components in the field during deployment;
      3. Responsible for SWAT Command Post and Command Post communications;
      4. Assists the Forward Ops Commander and may be assigned as an additional Forward Ops Commander.
    6. COMMUNICATIONS:
      1. Any team member may be assigned a communications post if IC has not already designated the position.
      2. Communications are imperative between IC and the TOC to ensure real time information is passed to forward operations that would be affected in the incident.
      3. Communications will also be responsible logging information with regards to suspect and team actions.
    7. TEAM MEMBER:
      1. Responsible for the maintenance of individually assigned weapons;
      2. Responsible for complying with departmental directives, orders, and policies;
      3. Required to demonstrate and maintain proficiency in trained skills (e.g., use of weapons and tactics).
    8. TACTICAL MEDICAL UNIT
      1. Provide immediate, on-scene medical services when necessary;
      2. Assist with medical needs at Command Post;
      3. If law enforcement certified by the State of Utah, medical staff may be assigned as entry personnel.

AY 01_110  USE OF FORCE

  1. Policy:
    1. The WC SWAT team shall resolve each situation encountered with the least amount of force necessary.
    2. Any use of force by SWAT personnel shall be regulated by Utah State law and the WCSO policy and procedures regarding use of force.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Control of force is important to minimize unnecessary injury and decrease liability.
  3. Procedure:
    1. During any operation involving the deployment of the SWAT Team, it is essential that personnel maintain strict fire control discipline. SWAT personnel are accountable for all rounds fired and will not knowingly endanger innocent persons with unnecessary weapon fire.
    2. During SWAT operations, it may be necessary for doors, windows, and even sections of walls to be breached as a means of gaining entry to locations which pose a hostile environment for entry teams. The team may use such breaching methods as deemed necessary, subject to use of force policies and laws.
    3. The team may deploy chemical agents and light/sound diversionary devices as deemed appropriate to accomplish its mission. Use of chemical agents shall be reasonable and necessary and subject to use of force policies and laws.
    4. Only personnel who have successfully completed a departmentally approved training course in the proper use and deployment of light/sound diversionary devices are authorized to deploy them during actual operations. Due to the specialized nature of these devices and the training required to properly deploy them, their use is restricted to trained personnel assigned to the team.

AY 01_111  TRAINING

  1. Policy:
    1. Team members shall participate in required training.
    2. Training sessions shall be documented, submitted to the WCSO Training Unit, and archived for a minimum of five years.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Frequent and rigorous training may be necessary in order to prepare team members for the high-risk demands placed upon them in an actual incident.
  3. Procedure:
    1. Training shall consist of a minimum of eight hours per month.
    2. Training will primarily be performance-oriented and SWAT team task-specific.
    3. Individual team members will certify a minimum of two times per year on the below listed Individual Skills in their areas of assignment. Failure to re-certify will result in an immediate focus on remediation of basic skills. Continued failure to re-certify, after appropriate remediation, may be dealt with as a failure to meet minimum standards of performance and will result in removal from the team.
    4. The team, as a whole, will certify once per year on the below listed Team Skills.
    5. The team, as a whole, will maintain current standards of performance for the below listed Individual Skills and Team Skills:
      1. INDIVIDUAL SKILLS:
        1. Handgun;
        2. Shotgun;
        3. Long gun (sub-machine gun and long rifle, if assigned);
        4. Sniper rifle;
        5. Less lethal;
      2. TEAM SKILLS:
        1. Deliberate Entry;
        2. Dynamic Entry;
        3. Hostage Rescue;
        4. Team Shooting Drills;
        5. Barricaded individuals;
        6. Injured officer rescue;
        7. Rapid deployment (active shooter);
        8. Civil disturbance (riot, crowd control);
        9. Personal protection equipment (PPE);
        10. Deployment with K9.
    6. Training will include regular updates on legal issues facing SWAT operations (e.g., warrant service, deadly force).
    7. In so far as practicality will allow, members are cross-trained in various team functions in order to ensure flexibility as situational changes in circumstances occur.
    8. A team member who is unable to attend a training session, for any reason, must notify and be excused by the SWAT Commander or the Team Leader. The SWAT Commander shall have the authority to suspend any member of the SWAT Team who fails to attend training and is unexcused. Any team member who has three or more unexcused absences from training during a twelve month period may be suspended. Within thirty days, the SWAT staff shall meet with the suspended member, at an appropriate time and place, to evaluate the member’s status with the WC SWAT team.
    9. Any team member who has more than three excused absences during the course of a twelve month period shall be evaluated by the SWAT staff to determine whether a conflict exists which will be detrimental to the member’s team performance. Should such a conflict be determined to exist, the SWAT staff will determine the appropriate action to be taken (up to and including removal from the team).

AY 01_112  PHYSICAL FITNESS STANDARDS

  1. Policy:
    1. Members shall meet minimum physical fitness standards.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Due to the physical demands placed upon SWAT members during the performance of their operational duties, a high level of fitness must be maintained in order to maximize operational effectiveness and minimize personal injury.
    2. The level of fitness required herein is based upon job-specific requirements of tactical officers of the WC SWAT.
  3. Procedure:
    1. At a minimum of twice per year the SWAT staff shall conduct a physical fitness evaluation of SWAT members.
    2. Each SWAT member shall participate in all fitness evaluation tests.
    3. A makeup testing session may be conducted at the discretion of the SWAT Commander to evaluate members unable to participate in scheduled testing.
    4. The evaluation process will be announced in accordance with the team training schedule.
    5. At the discretion of the SWAT staff, the evaluation process may be one of the following:
      1. Physical conditioning assessment:
        1. Cardiovascular conditioning including a 1.5 mile run with a completion time not to exceed 14 minutes;
        2. Vertical jump of 18 inches or more;
        3. At least 40 sit-ups in a one minute time limit; and
        4. At least 40 push-ups in a one minute time limit.
      2. Obstacle course:
        1. The course shall be designed by and at the discretion of the SWAT Team Leader to test team and individual SWAT skills and physical capabilities.
    6. Successful completion of the above standards shall establish a level of conditioning of “above average.” Any SWAT member who fails to establish above average physical fitness levels as determined by the evaluation criteria listed above shall be subject to review by the SWAT staff. The SWAT staff shall take into consideration any extenuating circumstances such as injury or illness in evaluating physical conditioning. The SWAT staff may at their discretion take any or all of the following actions:
      1. Recommend additional physical fitness conditioning and evaluate at a later date;
      2. Place the member on an inactive status pending attainment of an above average level of physical conditioning;
      3. Place the member in a administrative or support function in SWAT;
      4. Remove the member from the WC SWAT team.

AY 01_113  UNIFORM STANDARDS

  1. Policy:
    1. Members of WC SWAT will be issued and will utilize, when appropriate, utility type uniforms. Uniforms will display clearly visible and identifiable badges, patches, placards, and lettering. All other items of personal wear or equipment must be approved by the SWAT Commander. SWAT uniforms may change depending on the operation at hand and will be approved by the SWAT Commander.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Uniforms allow members to be easily identifiable as law enforcement officers.
  3. Procedure:
    1. Members will be issued two uniform sets: One to be utilized as a training uniform; one to be utilized for emergency deployment.
    2. Uniforms may consist of the following:
      1. Military style shirt and trousers (MultiCam camouflage, desert camouflage, or Olive Drab);
      2. WC SWAT badge to be worn on the left chest;
      3. WC SWAT shoulder patches on each shoulder.
    3. Uniforms are department property and members to whom uniforms are issued are responsible for their care and maintenance. Failure to appropriately care for or maintain the uniform in full mission readiness will be grounds for removal from the team.
    4. The term “Subdued” means any single use or combination of the following colors:
      1. OD green;
      2. Black (flat);
      3. MultiCam camouflage;
      4. Grey (dark);
      5. Desert camouflage.
    5. In addition to the approved uniform, various items of apparel may be purchased for wear by members at official and semi-official department/SWAT functions as appropriate:
      1. Military style jacket or coat (woodland camouflage in color) with all badges, patches, and placards;
      2. Flight jacket (sage green in color) with subdued SWAT logo embroidered over left breast;
      3. Military style “wooly-pulley” sweater (subdued);
      4. Fleece jacket or sweater (subdued);
      5. Polo shirt (black in color) with subdued SWAT logo embroidered over left breast;
      6. T-shirt (long or short sleeve), black in color, with silkscreen of SWAT logo over left breast;
      7. Baseball cap (subdued) with subdued SWAT logo embroidered on crown;
      8. Military style “boonie hat” (subdued);
      9. Knit cap (watch or jeep cap style) with no markings (subdued);
      10. Military-style lace-up boots; black, soft soled leather shoes; or other footwear as deemed appropriate.
      11. Other items of apparel as may be deemed appropriate by SWAT supervisors.

AY 01_114  EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

  1. Policy:
    1. WC SWAT members shall be provided with necessary equipment according to their assigned positions. Equipment may be provided by the WCSO or other participating agencies.
  2. Rationale:
    1. SWAT members cannot be expected to successfully complete their assignments without necessary equipment.
    2. It is unreasonable for individual SWAT members to be burdened with the costs of necessary equipment to accomplish their assigned duties.
  3. Procedure:
    1. Members shall be equipped with the following:
      1. Ballistic helmet;
      2. Ballistic vest (threat level IIIA);
      3. Tactical vest suspension type;
      4. Safety glasses and/or goggles;
      5. Nylon or flat black duty belt with tactical holster and pouches for tactical equipment;
      6. Handgun (approved pistol);
      7. Carbine: Long rifle approved by SWAT staff and equipped with tactical light, sling, case, and extra magazines. Carbines are to be equipped with front and rear sights or a sighting system;
      8. Balaclava (nomex or kevlar, subdued):
      9. Gloves (nomex or kevlar, subdued);
      10. Flex-cuffs;
      11. Chemical protective mask;
      12. Portable radio and charger with wire mic/audio system;
      13. Ear protection;
      14. Pager or text-capable cell phone (unless already issued by regular assignment);
      15. Knee/elbow pads;
      16. Flashlight;
      17. Gore-Tex type Rain gear;
      18. Tactical Boots
    2. Additional equipment that may be provided to include:
      1. Shotgun: Pump action or semi-automatic and equipped with tactical light source, sling, extra shell capability and front/rear sights;
      2. SWAT uniform pin (optional);
      3. Hydration system;
      4. Door stops for propping open doors or windows;
      5. Laminated medical card containing individual specific medical information (to be carried in the right side shirt pocket);
      6. Less lethal weapons;
      7. Distraction devices;
      8. Chemical munitions.
    3. Members to whom any item of equipment is issued are responsible for the care and maintenance of that equipment. Failure to maintain all equipment in full mission readiness will be grounds for removal from the team.
    4. In addition to the equipment issued by the team, members may at their discretion carry the following equipment on their persons during training exercises or tactical missions:
      1. Utility knife (suitable for cutting, prying, etc.);
      2. Utility tool (e.g., Leatherman);
      3. Small, unbreakable mirror;
      4. Tactical notebook.
    5. When in an “on duty” status, members shall have equipment necessary for response to an emergency call-out readily available to them.

AY 01_115  FIREARMS STANDARDS

  1. Policy:
    1. SWAT members will be trained and tested for firearms proficiency.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Firearms proficiency is important in order to maximize life safety and minimize liability.
  3. Procedure:
    1. Various courses of fire for each weapon utilized may be established and documented.
    2. Required percentages and frequencies for qualifications with each weapon are as follows:
      1. Duty Handgun: 90%, Quarterly;
      2. Sub-machine gun: 90%, Quarterly;
      3. Carbine: 90%, Quarterly;
      4. Shotgun: 90%, Quarterly;
      5. Marksman’s Long Rifle: 100%, Quarterly.
    3. Qualification at the above criteria will be accomplished as a normal standard. Exceptions may be made for excused absences from training (e.g., illness, vacation, court appearances). In such cases, qualification must be accomplished in the next training.
    4. Each SWAT member must qualify with assigned weapon(s) according to the above standards. Failure to meet these standards will result in a team member being immediately placed on “inactive” status for a period not to exceed thirty days. The team member may be retested within that thirty day period. Failure to qualify upon retest may result in the member being de-certified with the weapon involved. Any failure to qualify upon retest with the duty handgun or carbine may result in the team member being removed from the team.

AY 01_116  SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT

  1. Policy:
    1. WC SWAT members may utilize specialized equipment in the course of their duties. However, the use of specialized equipment does not imply or guarantee that injury or death will not occur during a SWAT operation.
  2. Rationale:
    1. In order to maximize safety and mission effectiveness, specialized equipment may be useful.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The SWAT Commander will ensure that only those team members properly trained and certified in the use of special equipment will utilize same.
    2. The following, but not limited to, specialized equipment may be used:
      1. High caliber rifles:  Commonly referred to as counter-sniper rifles. These weapons allow a trained marksman to place highly accurate rounds where needed to help resolve life threatening incidents.
      2. Carbines:  Lightweight rifles with light mount capabilities to be utilized by SWAT marksman, containment, and entry personnel.
      3. Sub-guns:  Lightweight shoulder fired weapons of pistol caliber with light mount capabilities. Normally utilized in entry and close quarter combat (CQB) operations.
      4. Shotguns:  12 gauge pump/semi-auto weapons with light mount. Utilized by containment personnel as an entry weapon, as a breaching device, or in other circumstances as appropriate. Front/rear sights are mandatory, with the exception of breaching shotguns.
      5. Handgun:  Semi-automatic pistol (preferably with light mount) to be utilized as a secondary weapon or as a primary entry weapon by the entry team, or wherever circumstances dictate.
      6. Less-lethal:  Weapons and/or munitions which propel a round or device which is not normally lethal in nature. This includes foam baton rounds and Tasers.
      7. Light/sound diversionary devices:  Designed to save lives and reduce the potential for armed resistance resulting in shooting situations by providing a diversion for the entry of SWAT members into a hazardous area. Utilizes a bright flash of light, followed immediately by a loud noise designed to momentarily distract and confuse a suspect.
      8. Breaching tools/munitions:  Items such as rams, pry tools, pike poles, hydraulic or electronic machines or tools, special frangible shotgun rounds, explosives which are designed to force entry into barricaded or secured areas.
      9. Explosives:  Tactical explosives used to force entry into heavily barricaded or secured areas and to create an entry point for tactical teams where necessary. Speed and surprise can most safely be accomplished through the use of explosives, or to create large exterior distractions.
      10. Chemical agents (e.g., tear gas, smoke):  Chemicals designed to cause extreme discomfort/distress which are deployed in an effort to force barricaded suspect from their strongholds; or alternatively utilized to discourage or control the movement of unruly crowds of people.
      11. Viewing equipment:  Electronic, mechanical, night vision devices, SWAT Cam, extension mirrors, or through the wall/under door optics.
      12. Protective equipment:  Ballistic sleeves, ballistic groin protector, ballistic chest plates, ballistic body shield, or bomb blanket.
      13. Communications equipment:  Portable base station radios. Normally maintained and operated by the WCSO.
      14. Rappelling gear:  Seat harnesses, rappel line, figure eights, carabineers, and tubular webbing.

AY 01_117  STANDARDS OF CONDUCT

  1. Policy:
    1. Members should conduct themselves in a professional manner both on and off duty.
    2. Members shall be subject to the WCSO standards of conduct policy.
    3. Members are responsible for complying with all WC SWAT orders, directives, policies, and procedures.
  2. Procedure:
    1. Any behavior which discredits the member, the team, or the department constitutes grounds for removal from the team.
    2. Should any member come under investigation for either a criminal or administrative matter, it is incumbent upon such member to notify their SWAT supervisor as soon as possible. Failure to make such notification may be grounds for removal from the team. Members may be placed on inactive status or assigned other duties as needed within the team until the allegations are resolved. Other duties may include weapon maintenance, vehicle maintenance, or other team related duties.

AY 01_118  RECORD KEEPING

  1. Policy:
    1. All SWAT operations shall be documented.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Documentation of SWAT operations may be useful in aftermath investigations, prosecutions, or lawsuit defenses.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The SWAT Team Leader will ensure:
      1. A log of events is recorded on all SWAT operations;
      2. The “SWAT Activation Report” and all planning or decision-making documents are created;
      3. An agency report is generated detailing the activation and utilization of the SWAT team. This report will provide details of the operation and pertinent information. When the report is completed it shall be submitted to the SWAT Commander for approval.
    2. Upon completion of any SWAT operation, the SWAT Commander will review and sign the operation plan, event log, and any reports generated by SWAT team members prior to their filing.
    3. These documents will be stored and maintained in the Spillman computer system, or electronic file, for a period of ten years.

AY 01_119  MEDIA & PUBLIC RELATIONS

  1. Policy:
    1. Consistent with the ICS, media relations shall be conducted by the Incident Commander (IC) or the designated Public Information Officer (PIO).
    2. The PIO shall receive authorization from the IC prior to the release of any information to the media or general public.
    3. Individual SWAT team members are to refrain from making any statement(s) which might be overheard by members of the media or general public. Any inquiry made by any representative of the news media is to be referred to the IC or PIO.
  2. Rationale:
    1. Dissemination of inappropriate information or premature release of any information may compromise safety, security, and order.
  3. Procedure:
    1. The PIO may establish a staging area for all media representatives just outside the outer perimeter and away from the Command Post and the staging area for law enforcement personnel.

AY 01_120  AFTER-ACTION DEBRIEFING

  1. Policy:
    1. Following any tactical operation involving the SWAT team, a debriefing and critique of the operation will be conducted by the SWAT Commander and Team Leaders with all available team members present.
  2. Rationale:
    1. The goal is to identify the tactical operation's strengths and weaknesses in order to improve the accomplishment of the SWAT mission.