SWAT

Introduction

The purpose of the SWAT elite squad is to train and make available qualified personnel from the Law Enforcement Departments of San Andreas with advanced skills in intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, and extended range force utilization.

Equipment

Swat is qualified to carry a sniper rifle within the gun rack of their vehicle. They are also qualified to train a K9 unit to help with breaching and protection on scenes.

Intelligence Gathering and Reconnaissance

The primary function of a Designated SWAT on scene is the gathering of intelligence in field operations to enable Scene Commanders to have a better picture of a particular scene or crisis situation. Their ability to use direct observations to identify the suspect(s) and civilian(s) can prove critical to the successful resolution of a given situation.

Equipment and Utilization

Qualified personnel patrol as their regular duty departments in the field. They are allowed to carry their equipment in their patrol vehicle. Qualified personnel can be called upon by Scene Commanders to respond to a scene to provide their skills.

In all facets, these officers operate like patrol units and are marked as their current patrolling department, be this Sheriff’s Office, Police Department, State Troopers. If a qualified officer is active with a particular state division, they must return to a station and activate as primary Law Enforcement Agency before responding.

Target identification

As with all Law Enforcement Force Utilization, SWAT must clearly identify their target and their potential threat. During barricaded situations, identifying civilians and suspects and clearly describing them to the Scene Commander and units on-scene can help to reduce casualties and more accurately visualize a situation to Officers on the ground. This can help when a suspect attempts to disguise themselves, or use other methods of subterfuge.

Scene Command Coordination

Radio coordination with Scene Command is the most critical element of the SWAT’s role. Their job is to provide up-to-date intelligence to the Scene Commander or Supervisor, allowing them to gain a tactical advantage.

This should be conducted over the radio and kept current should circumstances change.

Notes For Scene Commanders/Supervisors

SWAT trained personnel are now available upon reaching the rank of Sergeant. SWAT is a powerful unit, but one that should be used responsibly when necessary. Primarily their job is allowing commanders to have enhanced awareness and sight around a scene. They are the final call when it comes to breaching, as well as situations that require a higher firepower then the typical officer is allowed.

SWAT should not be deployed in a free roam or impromptu manner, as not all scenes will require them. If they are needed, the Scene Commander (Primary) is allowed to make the call that one is allowed to take over the scene.

Note: SWAT are not to be utilized to disable suspect vehicles parked on scenes. SWAT has the ability to help keep people safe, and improve awareness and in extreme circumstances, end a standoff… however that is our last resort. Giving SWAT command should always be the last measure as they are to be called in the event of a hostile situation. Also consider how powerful this tool is and the potential it has to utterly negate civilian priority scenes if deployed recklessly.