Job Description of SWAT Teams
A SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team member is a well-trained tactical assault officer, specializing in resolving high-risk law enforcement situations that require skills and training beyond the capacity of a regular police officer. Applicants to SWAT teams must typically qualify with previous police experience, education, specialized weapons training and strenuous fitness and psychological testing to ensure SWAT officers can endure the demanding nature of their job.
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History
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The first formation of a SWAT team occurred within the Los Angeles Police Department in 1968. In response to the extremely violent Watts riot, the LAPD realized they did not have the appropriate resources to effectively handle such events. The LAPD implemented the concept of small units that would specialize in advanced weaponry and tactical skills in order to neutralize any serious threat to the city and its police officers.
Education
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SWAT team members are recommended to earn a two-year or four-year degree in Criminal Justice. With this degree, they are able to understand the complex nature of the law and the intertwining roles and responsibilities of police, courts and prisons. It is also recommended to have three years experience as a police officer in order to gain admittance into a SWAT team.
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Training
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SWAT team members must undergo a unique training program that includes a wide variety of weapons training, specialist courses, marksmanship tests, riot and crowd control techniques and other complex police enforcement education. Due to the physically demanding work expected of a SWAT team member, physical fitness testing is a high priority. Defensive tactical abilities, including close-quarter defense, are also important in order to minimize potential violence.
Weapons and Equipment
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Special weapons and equipment use are an integral part of any SWAT team activity. Weapons such as assault rifles, shotguns, semi-automatic handguns, submachine guns, sniper rifles, tasers and crowd control weapons such as bean bag guns and tear gas are all commonly used. SWAT teams also use helicopters and ARVs (armored rescue vehicles), which are modified vehicles used in law-enforcement missions.
Job Description
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SWAT teams are most commonly used in order to ensure the safety of other police officers in case a large, violent outburst occurs. These situations include the arrests of violent criminals, hostage situations, riots, counter-terrorism, perimeter security, identifying threats in high-security situations and many other police situations where the safety of the public or police officers is in danger.
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References
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