SWAT SOP

Definition of SWAT 

A Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is any designated group of law enforcement officers who are selected, trained, and equipped to work as a coordinated team to resolve critical incidents that are so hazardous, complex, or unusual that they may exceed the capabilities of first responders or investigative units. 

SWAT Team Components 

SWAT teams should develop sufficient resources to perform the four basic operational functions:

1. Command and Control (TOC)

2. Containment

3. Entry ( Gold, Red and Blue)

4.    Apprehension / Rescue (trailers)

Tactical Procedures:

a. The Metro SWAT Division will follow established tactical procedures to ensure the safety of all personnel involved in the operation.

b. The Division will use the appropriate level of force necessary to resolve the situation, while minimizing the risk to civilians and officers.

c. The Division will coordinate with other responding agencies, such as the Metro Police Department, Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Services, to ensure a comprehensive response to the situation.

Communication Procedures:

a. The Metro SWAT Division will establish effective communication channels with all responding agencies and personnel.

b. The Division will establish a command post at the scene, where communication and coordination efforts will be managed.

c. The Division will use clear and concise communication to ensure that all personnel involved in the operation are aware of the situation and their responsibilities.

Post-Operation Procedures:

a. After the situation has been resolved, the Metro SWAT Division will conduct a debriefing to evaluate the operation and identify areas for improvement.

b. All equipment used during the operation will be properly cleaned and stored.

c. Any injuries sustained by personnel will be properly documented and treated.

d. The Metro SWAT Division will conduct a follow-up investigation, as necessary, to ensure that all aspects of the situation have been properly addressed.

Planning 

Mission briefings should be conducted prior to an operation by A Team Leader / SWAT team Leader, unless circumstances require immediate deployment. 

When possible, briefings should include the specialized units and supporting resources, written down into a file.

The SWAT Team Leader or Team Leader should designate personnel responsible for developing an operational or tactical plan prior to and during SWAT operations. 

All SWAT team members should have an understanding of operational planning and their roles within the operation.

SWAT RESPONSES 

SWAT shall respond, when requested with an hour notice, to:

1. Active shooter situations; 

2. Hostage situations; and 

3. When a Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team (HCN) is activated. The appropriate SWAT squad leader or designee and one (1) sniper/observer team will be activated to gather intelligence, reconnaissance of the scene, and prepare for staging and operational locations for possible deployment of a full squad. The decision to activate additional squad members will remain with SWAT command. 

SELECTION PROCESS (Vacancies) 

When a SWAT vacancy exists, the SWAT Lead shall, with approval of the Metro Lead notify all ISP sworn personnel and commanders shall advertise the vacancy a minimum of five (5) days prior to the closing date. Interested personnel shall submit a Specialty Team Member Application, through channels to the SWAT Commander. 

All applicants must: 

1. Meet the minimum standards as defined;

a. Be at least the rank of Senior Officer

b. Hold a General Metro Certification

c. Be advanced medical trained

d. Be in good standing with the department

2. Have a minimum firearms qualification of “Expert,” as defined by the Metro Firearms Program; 

3. Complete two Firearms Courses determined by SWAT Command; 

a. A Non Stress course; and 

b. A Stress course with physical training (PT) incorporated between the courses of fire.  

4. Complete the SWAT physical abilities test, as determined by SWAT Command. This test shall be administered by SWAT Command with the assistance of the Health Management Specialist (Training Section); 

5. Possess a passing Department promotional test score; and 

6. Complete a Department Promotional Interview. 

Upon selection, the SWAT Commander shall assign the SWAT trainee to the respective squad leader for training.