The Entry, Perimeter and Sniper Teams train twice every 6
weeks, with additional training days provided on occasion. The goal on training
days is to simulate the rigors, situations and possible courses of action by
suspects the teams may face on the next call out.
Training
days are a full 10 hours and include Physical Training, shooting drills and
recurring practice on basic SWAT skills. Officers qualify quarterly on their
assigned special weapons and shoot every Wednesday.
Entry, live-fire and building search drills are conducted
in the Building Search Module (BSM) located at the training academy. This
facility allows team members to practice in a live-fire environment and
experience the confusion, noise and distractions associated with multiple
persons operating in close quarters while live ammunition is being used. These
drills are closely monitored and build confidence in each officer's skills and
the skills of his teammates.
SWAT Teams must be ready for any situation and we are
continually looking at our methods and equipment to ensure we are up on the
latest techniques and equipment. Team members continue to attend outside
schools instructed by former DELTA Force, former Navy SEALs
and the FBI, bringing this information back to fellow team members to evaluate
and critique.
Our goal through training is to be ready to address any
situation we are ask to resolve in a peaceful manner with minimal use of force.
We train every officer in the use of less-lethal munitions and are always
looking for alternatives to the use of deadly force.
During the spring of 1999,
Sgt Weems coordinated the construction of a new
training facility at the