Swat

Special Weapons And Tactics Teams

There was a time when Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams were the high powered military style ultimate police team that arrived to resolve hostage and related public safety situations where law enforcement tactics might end up in a shooting or other deadly force event. Descended from the first paramilitary police units, SWAT teams now encompass firefighters, biohazard and bomb specialists, and psychologists---all trained to handle situations posed by modern terrorism. The equipment and tools they use to do their job have changed as well.

SWAT equipment is specifically designed clothing, tools, gear, weapons, apparatus, and vehicles designed for use in urban, heavily populated areas where the public safety needs a quick rapid, efficient response to an immediate threat. It is designed to protect tactical officers, allow them ease of movement, and gain the upper hand in critical situations.

Swat was originally created in Los Angeles California in the 1960’s to combat the gang violence.   The initial equipment they used was military style adapted for urban engagements.   When the police officer could not come to a peaceful or quick resolution, The Swat team would be deployed wearing body armor and carrying military assault weapons in a larger force to use deadly force if necessary in order to overwhelm as needed.  The idea was to intimidate the subjects with the arrival of a large number of officers in full military armament ready to end the conflict in any manner necessary.  Soon Swat tactical units were part of most major cities police departments. 

Equipment designed specifically for police forces were added, such as vests designed to hold law enforcement tools like handcuffs and evidence collection devices and other supplies.  Armored deployment vehicles that could be used as command centers also became standard police equipment.  Weapons were also redesigned for urban combat to give swat teams more efficient tools to respond with.  With the additional threat of international terrorism Swat teams are again having to consider additional tactics and weapons to better respond as needed.

Current vendors offer anything from high-impact helmet and shields to steel-toed boots. They also supply "Nomex" chemical and fire-resistant jumpsuits, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and "hydrating packs" for hazardous materials situations. Gear and apparatus, from batons to holsters and jackets are designed to be lightweight, sturdy and easy to use. Vehicles are outfitted with computers and complete wireless communications for use as command centers. Hazardous materials ("hazmat") unit trucks are outfitted with supplies for management of chemical and biological weapons as well as the more typical toxic spills.

Swat units when equipped with correct up-to-date gear can handle threats quickly and efficiently to save lives and keep casualties to a minimum.  Hazard teams with the proper equipment can assess and mitigate situations before units from regional or federal resources can arrive. Local governments that train and equip a Swat unit based on a concisely  thought out threat assessment and national guidelines are safeguarding their citizens.

 Good equipment can stop conflicts from happening. Swat teams are trained to minimize the damage, not eliminate it. Unlike movie and television portrayals of Swat units in action, true life teams do more training, equipment maintenance and writing reports than any other activity.  In smaller cities Swat officers are also members of their respective police or fire department, and spend a large portion of their time as line officers.