police swat 23 by Articles Exposed
Published Date: 17/09/07
Police SWAT
Police forces are becoming more specialized around the world and the US has an elite unit in many of its departments, receiving specific training and special equipment. Police SWAT teams go into the most dangerous situations, SWAT standing for Special Weapons and Tactics. The first of these started in Los Angeles and the first operation involved the Black Panthers in 1969.
These units have many duties to perform; one of them is to serve arrest warrants where resistance is anticipated. Some members of Police SWAT teams are trained to negotiate in hostage situations and they are sent in for rescue missions. The threat of terrorism is a priority of course and they would be deployed to deal with any situation of that sort. Criminals who arm themselves may find that they face a SWAT unit. They may be called upon to protect VIPs or emergency services. Another reason for deployment may be to break up civil unrest or riots on the streets.
The initiation is thorough and extensive. Volunteers from other departments are sought and have to pass written and oral tests. They are also assessed for their psychological aptitude to cope in volatile situations. The officers have to be physically fit and their background is investigated. With that done, the training commences. Police SWAT officers will undergo marksmanship training and some will be instructed in the use of stun grenades, tazer guns, pepper spray equipment, submachine guns, high powered rifles and explosives. They may be trained in crowd control and the use of tear gas. Some officers will receive first aid training. Some operations involve scaling buildings and there is instruction on how to abseil and general rope work.
These officers are supported with the best equipment available including night vision binoculars and protective body armor. There are Police SWAT helicopters and armored cars should they need them. When a situation occurs, such as a siege involving hostages, an immediate response is required in order to protect lives. It's been decided that it's not always appropriate to wait for a SWAT team to arrive, so other departments have begun to train their officers to use special equipment and techniques.
This type of unit has a glamorous image for the public and this has been exploited in TV and the movies. The S.W.A.T television series in the 1970s had a short run, due to criticism for its high level of violence and fantastic plots. A spin off movie was released in 2003, starring Colin Farrell and Samuel L.Jackson.
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