CARLSBAD P O L I C E D E P A R T M E N T
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS
- O P E R A T I O N S M A N U A L -
Revised January 2017
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE TITLE
Page 4 Purpose of the Operations Manual
Page 4 Mission Statement: Purpose of SWAT
Page 5 Function of SWAT
Page 5 Limitations/Considerations
Page 6 Mutual Aid Considerations
Page 6 Weapons Handling
Page 6 Command Structure, Membership & Selection Process
Page 8 SWAT Academy Attendance
Page 8 Tactical Medic Component
Page 9 Chain Of Command/Administrative/Incident Supervision
Page 15 Guidelines For Use of SWAT
Page 15 Field Request for SWAT
Page 15 Call-Out Procedures
Page 16 Communications
Page 17 Training/Documentation/Mission Reports
Page 17 Uniforms
Page 18 Issue & Maintenance of Equipment
Page 18 Weapons and Qualifications
Page 20 Distraction Devices
Page 20 Go-Bag Equipment Checklist
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Critical Incident Command Forms:
Page 21 Suspect Information
Page 22 Hostage Information
Page 23 Structure Information (Sketch)
Page 24 Officer Deployment Information (Sketch)
Page 25 Units On Scene (Roster: Unit Designator/Location/Assignment)
Page 26 Tactical Briefing Procedure (SMEAC)
Page 28 Post Operations Considerations
Page 29 SWAT Activation Matrix
San Diego County Protocols
Page 30 San Diego County protocol for serving high risk warrants in other jurisdictions
Page 31 San Diego County Regional High Risk Entry Check list
Page 32 Carlsbad PD Organizational ICS command structure
RELEVANT POLICY MANUAL (CROSS-REFERENCE)
POLICY 408 - Crisis Response Unit
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PURPOSE OF THE SWAT OPERATIONS MANUAL
This manual is a guideline intended to aid Incident Commanders, field supervisors, and officers of this department when they must exercise emergency direction and control in a critical incident involving the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team.
This document is also designed to enable the members of SWAT and its ancillary resources within the department to understand its mission, function, capabilities, and limitations. It is the standard operating procedure manual for the SWAT Team.
In the context of these guidelines, a critical incident is considered to be any combination of either planned or unforeseen circumstances that constitute an event requiring the responsible and extraordinary police field response of expertise, manpower, or tactical equipment. Examples of critical incidents include but are not limited to the following: barricaded suspects, hostage situations, high-risk arrests or search warrant executions, and major commitments of the department’s investigative, tactical, logistical, and command resources, to include Mobile Field Force (MFF) deployment.
This manual formally recognizes that even a responsible and technically competent police response to a critical incident is often associated with uncommon risk. It also recognizes that many aspects of effective response to these incidents can be both pre-planned and practiced, permitting efficient resource management and maximizing the safety of officers and civilians.
Finally, this manual represents the department's trust and confidence in the individuals and the team collectively, fully appreciating that the resolution of a critical incident is rarely, if ever, visible in the infancy of the situation.
MISSION STATEMENT: PURPOSE OF SWAT
The SWAT Team’s mission and purpose is to provide the highest level of tactical equipment, training, and expertise to safely resolve critical incidents. The safety of citizens, fellow officers, and suspects, will, at all times, be the priority of all SWAT personnel. With this in mind, the following responsibilities will fall to SWAT:
- Provide Field Commanders at critical incidents with pre-designated and equipped special equipment and tactical resources not normally present in the field.
- Establish a secure inner perimeter.
- Replace on-duty patrol officers in exposed or dangerous positions.
- Affect emergency rescue/recovery of captured, wounded, or isolated officers and civilians.
- Develop intelligence on the suspect(s) and situation for subsequent tactical intervention by SWAT.
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- Evacuate persons in high-risk areas during manmade and natural emergencies when patrol personnel are unable to safely do so.
- Interact with crisis negotiation personnel.
- Apprehend felony and/or dangerous suspects.
- Assist with the service of search and/or arrest warrants including those generated by other divisions.
- Serve as an extraordinary resource to the field Commander in emergencies to restore order and normalcy as rapidly and safely as possible.
- Other missions that may fall within the capabilities of the SWAT (dignitary protection, etc.)
FUNCTION OF SWAT
The Carlsbad Police Department's philosophy for managing critical incidents assumes the creative and cooperative use of both traditional and non-traditional resources through the department and the community. The Watch Commander has available internal resources which include officers and support service personnel in addition to special operations units such as the K-9 Unit and SWAT Team (to include the Crisis Negotiations Team).
In the typical critical incident scenario, the first responding patrol officers are responsible for the initial containment, decision-making, and fact-finding. When the field supervisor's assessment determines that additional manpower is needed to resolve the problem, specific expertise, and/or equipment, the Watch Commander activates SWAT by contacting the SWAT Commander, SWAT Asst. Commander or a SWAT Team Leader.
LIMITATIONS/CONSIDERATIONS
The primary responsibility of SWAT is the safety of citizens, perimeter containment, and suspect isolation. SWAT is a mission-oriented unit. Building entries will be made in the case of extraordinary and/or unusual circumstances. SWAT can be used to assist other divisions with the service of search warrants, the apprehension of felony and/or dangerous suspects, and other missions within team capabilities as deemed appropriate by the SWAT Commander, SWAT Asst. Commander or Team Leader(s).
In the event of an excessively protracted incident, or an incident requiring additional SWAT resources, the protocol will be for an initial request for assistance from the Oceanside Police Department’s SWAT Team, followed by a request for resources from the San Diego County Sheriff’s SED and/or Escondido PD SWAT if warranted.
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MUTUAL AID CONSIDERATIONS
While SWAT is a resource dedicated primarily to the resolution of critical incidents within the Carlsbad Police Department’s jurisdiction, it could be made available for assignments outside the City upon authorization by the Field Operations Division Commander. In cases of authorized deployment outside of the city of Carlsbad, SWAT will operate in compliance with these standard operating procedures and department policies and procedures as if operating within the city of Carlsbad. Command and control of SWAT will remain with the Carlsbad PD SWAT Commander.
WEAPONS HANDLING
SWAT-specific weapons shall be issued/authorized on an individual basis only to those members who have received appropriate training and have regularly qualified with their assigned weapon(s). The individual to whom the weapon has been issued shall securely store such weapons and be responsible for proper maintenance of the weapon(s). Each shoulder weapon shall be carried with a fully loaded magazine attached but no round chambered. SWAT-specific weapons shall be carried in the team member’s city vehicle while on duty. SWAT members shall be held to the highest standards of firearms proficiency in all respective areas, i.e., safety, marksmanship, maintenance practices.
A negligent discharge of a firearm (Rifle/Pistol) by a member of SWAT during an operation will result in removal from the team for a period of not less than 3 years. A negligent discharge of any other weapon system during an operation will result in removal from the team for a period of 6 months to 3 years depending upon the circumstances and at the discretion of the SWAT Commander, Asst. Commander and Team Leaders. A negligent discharge of a firearm (Rifle/Pistol) or any other weapon system during training may result in removal from the team for a period of 6 months to 3 years and/or mandatory remedial training depending upon circumstances and at the discretion of the SWAT Commander, Asst. Commander and Team Leaders.
COMMAND STRUCTURE, MEMBERSHIP, & SELECTION PROCESS OF SWAT MEMBERS
SWAT COMMANDING OFFICER (LIEUTENANT)
The Team's Commanding Officer is selected by the Field Operations Division Commander and serves collaterally with his/her regularly assigned duties. Past experience within SWAT, ideally as both an Operator and Team Leader, is highly desired. When activated into emergency service for a critical incident response by the on-duty Watch Commander, the SWAT Commanding Officer will order a total or measured team call-out by notifying the Asst. Commander and Team Leaders. Depending upon the apparent initial assessment of the nature and seriousness of the incident, the SWAT Commander may or may not personally respond.
The SWAT Commanding Officer participates in the same basic and continued training as that of the other team members to the extent that his/her primary focus is on the unit's administrative
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support and tactical readiness. This training shall include attending the 80-hour P.O.S.T.-certified Basic SWAT Academy and a SWAT Commanders’ Course. The SWAT Commanding Officer is to be capable of assuming tactical leadership of both the overall team deployment and as one of the Team Leaders in the absence of the Asst. Commander and/or the Team Leaders. The SWAT Commanding Officer(s) position(s) may be occupied by one of the two Investigations Division Commanders (Lieutenant), as any incident involving SWAT would have the oversight duties of the uninvolved Lieutenant for any subsequent investigation.
SWAT ASSISTANT COMMANDER (LIEUTENANT OR SENIOR SERGEANT)
The Team's Assistant Commander is selected by the SWAT Commanding Officer with the approval of the Patrol Division Commander and serves collaterally with his/her regularly assigned duties. Past experience within SWAT, ideally as both an Operator and Team Leader, is highly desired.
The SWAT Assistant Commander participates in the same basic and continued training as that of the other team members to the extent that his/her primary focus is on the unit's administrative support and tactical readiness. This training shall include attending the 80-hour P.O.S.T.-certified Basic SWAT Academy and a SWAT Commanders’ Course. The SWAT Assistant Commander is to be capable of assuming tactical leadership of both the overall team deployment and as one of the Team Leaders in the absence of a Sergeant. The SWAT Assistant Commander position may be occupied by either a Lieutenant or senior SWAT Sergeant.
SWAT TEAM LEADERS (SERGEANTS)
These are positions of collateral duty for three Sergeants who will perform their regular supervisory functions until being summoned by the Watch Commander to respond with team members to a critical incident. Sergeants apply by submitting a typed, one-page resume of qualifications to the SWAT Commander, and must have the ability to assertively provide small- unit leadership during pre-emergency and emergency conditions. Applicants must possess a sincere desire to serve in this potentially hazardous collateral assignment and to participate regularly in the frequent and intensive training. Applicants must successfully complete the San Diego Sheriff's Department SWAT obstacle course in a maximum of four minutes, pass the SWAT Academy physical fitness standards (as established by the P.O.S.T.-certified Basic SWAT Academy Course Provider), pass a firearms proficiency test, and pass an oral interview conducted by the Team Commander and Division Commander or his designee. Above average physical fitness is required. Qualities such as decisiveness, creativity in problem solving, patience, calmness in emergencies, marksmanship and weaponry aptitude are a requisite. The applicant must commit to a minimum four-year service period with the team.
Applicants ideally should have served as a patrol supervisor with the Carlsbad Police Department for a minimum of one year. Prior experience as a SWAT Operator is highly desired. Willingness to be activated by phone call or pager from off-duty status is a requirement, and residency must be within 30 minutes driving time. There is no standby requirement for call-out. Each Sergeant is a Team Leader. A C.O.V. Sergeant may be a SWAT Sergeant only with the approval of the Chief of Police.
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SWAT OPERATORS
17 Officers/Corporals comprise SWAT. These are positions of collateral duty assignment. The specially trained officer will perform their regularly assigned duties until such time they are directed by the SWAT leadership staff to respond with team members to a critical incident.
Officers apply by submitting a typed, one-page resume of qualifications to the SWAT Commander(s). The resume must certify that the candidate's most recent performance appraisal was satisfactory in all categories.
Applicants must possess a sincere desire to serve in this potentially hazardous collateral assignment and to participate regularly in the frequent and intensive training. An essential component for membership is teamwork. Due to this critical element, a team survey will be conducted, measuring each candidate’s suitability for membership on the team. Applicants must successfully complete the San Diego Sheriff's Department SWAT obstacle course within four minutes, pass the SWAT Academy physical fitness standards (as established by the P.O.S.T.- certified Basic SWAT Academy Course Provider), pass the established SWAT Qualification Course of Fire in full entry gear, and must pass an oral interview conducted by the Team Lieutenant and Sergeants. Above average physical fitness is required to apply and to remain in the assignment. Qualities such as patience, calmness in emergencies, safety consciousness, stamina, loyalty, initiative, marksmanship and weaponry aptitude are requisite. SWAT applicants must possess certainty about the use of force and the non-use of force; have a desire for self-improvement, and a keen sense of compassion. Members must commit to a minimum service of four years’ assignment to the team barring promotion to the rank of Sergeant, which will then cause their removal from the team unless a Team Leader opening exists.
Applicants must have completed probation at the Carlsbad Police Department and have a minimum of three years of Law Enforcement experience. Candidates who have relevant military experience may qualify for consideration provided they are off probation at time of appointment to the team. Willingness to be activated by phone call or pager from off duty status is a requirement, and residency must be within 30 minutes driving time of City limits. There is no standby requirement for call-out.
Personnel may be removed from SWAT at the discretion of the Team Commander(s) or at such time as their physical fitness, competency in weaponry, tactics or decision-making skills, or their lack of availability render them unacceptable in meeting expected standards. Failure to attend more than three training days, barring an exigency (i.e. IOD), in a 12-month period shall be cause for removal from the team.
SWAT ACADEMY ATTENDANCE
Regardless of rank or assignment on the team, attendance of an 80-hour P.O.S.T.-certified SWAT Academy is mandatory prior to deployment as an Operator, Team Leader, or Team Commander on any mission. Failure to meet the established SWAT Academy physical fitness standards, firearms proficiency standards, or unsuccessful completion of the SWAT Academy (barring an injury or significant exigent circumstance-i.e. death in family during SWAT Academy attendance)
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will result in removal from team. When possible, SWAT Tactical Medics will attend the Basic SWAT Academy with other SWAT Operators.
TACTICAL MEDIC COMPONENT
The purpose of the SWAT Medic element is to provide a high level of emergency medical experience and expertise as a component of SWAT. Tactical Medics may provide immediate advanced life support care to SWAT members, other police officers, hostages, bystanders, and suspects, who may sustain traumatic injuries prior to or during the course of an operation. Generally, two Tactical Medics will be deployed on SWAT missions.
Objectives of the Tactical Medic Component to SWAT are:
1 To reduce the chances of death, injury or illness to SWAT members, other police officers, innocent civilians, and suspects. 2 To provide immediate basic and advanced first aid and life-saving medical care at the scene of a SWAT incident. 3 To enhance the overall success of SWAT missions. 4 To minimize liability to the city by providing immediate medical assistance to injured persons at SWAT missions.
Members of the Tactical Medic Component will train with SWAT on a monthly basis and become essential members of the team. During the course of a mission, they will act under the direction of the Team Commander or a Team Leader. They will generally deploy with the entry/contact team to the point of entry or final staging location.
SWAT Medics shall wear police-department issued uniforms and safety gear, to include ballistic helmets and body armor, goggles, gloves, and elbow and kneepads.
The Carlsbad Fire Department shall set forth the selection criteria and process for the position of tactical medic. Ideally, the Tactical Medic Component will consist of eight dedicated SWAT Medics.
CHAIN OF COMMAND/ADMINISTRATIVE/INCIDENT SUPERVISION
There are three basic arms of command that should be established at a critical incident. They are the Incident Commander, the Tactical Commander, and the Field Services Supervisor.
INCIDENT COMMANDER: Responsible for the overall command of the operation, including the tactical and support resources. The Incident Commander provides the authority for all processes and actions necessary for the resolution of the incident. The Incident Commander gives the broad mission to the SWAT Commander without directing the tactics to be used. The Incident Commander can reject a plan and ask for another. The Watch Commander is normally the Incident Commander but examples of possible exceptions are pre-planned or long-duration emergencies, or serious simultaneous events.
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SWAT COMMANDING OFFICER(S): Under the direct control of the Incident Commander, the SWAT Commanding Officer(s) coordinates all tactical operations and controls all personnel directly committed to the tactical functions at the objective site. The SWAT Commanding Officer(s) also establishes liaison with other law enforcement tactical units committed to the incident.
FIELD SUPERVISOR: The first Sergeant to assume control of the incident at the scene is responsible for situation management until relieved properly by another Field Supervisor or the SWAT Commander(s). When relieved of tactical command responsibilities, the Field Supervisor will normally divert to the direction of support functions such as outer perimeter deployment, traffic control, media liaison, etc.
SWAT COMMANDING OFFICER(S):
Administratively, the SWAT Commanders are responsible for: a) The selection and training of team personnel. b) Ensuring the continuing competency and proficiency of the unit. c) Procuring individual and team equipment and monitoring its serviceability. d) The development and enforcement of operating procedures and policies. e) Periodic and timely reporting of unit activity to the field operations division Commander. f) Maintaining liaison with allied agencies.
Tactically, the SWAT Commander(s) are responsible for: a) Serving as liaison with allied support agencies. b) Authorizing the appropriate/legal use of deadly force. (NOTE: once authorization is given, the decision to actually use deadly force is and can only be the responsibility of the team member in direct confrontation with the suspect.) c) Preparing press releases and serving as media liaison when the department's press information officer is unavailable. d) Conducting the tactical briefing and debriefing and may introduce or facilitate the psychological debriefing as needed.
SWAT SERGEANTS (Team Leaders):
Under the direction of the SWAT Commander(s), the SWAT Sergeants’ duties will include and not be limited to:
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a) Pre-emergency planning and training of the team. b) Ensuring that the team is properly equipped and that the equipment is properly maintained and available. c) Evaluating training and actual field responses and response capabilities on a continuous basis. d) Providing Field Commanders at critical incidents with pre-designated and pre-equipped special weapons and tactical resources within the mission of the team:
1) Establishing a secure inner perimeter.
2) Replacing regular patrol officers in exposed or dangerous positions.
3) Affecting emergency rescue/recovery operations.
4) Developing and recording intelligence on the suspect and situation.
5) Apprehending dangerous and/or felony suspects.
6) Providing warrant service for the field operations or other divisions when requested to do so.
7) Other missions that fall within the team's capabilities. e) Coordinating efforts with hostage negotiation personnel. f) Conducting tactical briefings and post-operation debriefings as directed by the SWAT Commander(s). g) Preparing after-action reports. h) Deploying team personnel in natural or manmade emergencies. i) Acting in the place of the Commander(s) when they are unavailable. j) Assisting the Commander(s) in the selection of personnel.
SWAT OPERATORS:
Under the direction of the Commanders and Sergeants of SWAT, the SWAT Operators’ duties will include and not be limited to: a) Providing Field Commanders at critical incidents with pre-designated and pre-equipped special weapons and tactical resources specific to the team's mission.
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b) Establishing a secure inner perimeter. c) Replacing regular patrol officers in exposed or dangerous positions. d) Affecting emergency rescue/recovery operations. e) Developing intelligence on the suspect and situation. f) Dignitary protection. g) Specific response during natural or manmade emergencies h) Interaction with hostage negotiation personnel.
SNIPER/OBSERVER ELEMENT
Under the direction of the Commanders and Sergeants of SWAT, the Sniper/Observers duties will include and not be limited to: a) The Sniper/Observer uses their specialized training, positioning and sight enhancing equipment to observe and report real-time intelligence to teammates and on-scene command personnel. Since the Sniper/Observer plays such an integral role in intelligence gathering and team protection, they will be deployed as a part of tactical operations whenever practical. 1) Snipers will generally be assigned in two officer teams (sniper/observer). A non- trained sniper may fill in the role of the observer at the request of a team leader or commanding officer b) The Sniper/Observer provides protective over-watch to the SWAT Team, other officers, civilians and/or hostages by bringing precision fire against designated targets, with the intent to immediately terminate the dangerous actions of the targeted person 1) Sniper Rules of Engagement: The Sniper/observer will be authorized to use deadly force against an individual in the following circumstances: a. To defend himself, another police officer, hostage or other civilian personnel from the imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. b.As part of an organized assault by tactical team elements. In this event, the Sniper/observer would use deadly force against designated targets or targets of opportunity, as the situation or assault plan dictates. These targets would be prioritized and engaged based on the danger they pose to other team members, hostages or civilian personnel. This use of deadly force can be based on collective knowledge, as passed on from other team members or command staff. c. To prevent the escape from a tactical situation’s containment perimeter, if the sniper feels the subject would pose a greater danger of death or great bodily harm to the general public if allowed to continue in their actions or succeed in their escape.
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c) The Sniper/Observer will be responsible for controlled fire directed at the suspect(s) should that course of action become necessary. Tactical Sniper Training Requirements a) After selection to the position of sniper, the candidate will attend and graduate from at least one formal police sniper school prior to being placed in an operational status. b) To meet the needs of their position the sniper/observer must receive instruction and practice in the following skills and discipline. 1) Fieldcraft: To include, but not limited to stalking, movement, camouflage, range estimation, and hide selection, construction and management. 2) Tactics: To include, but not limited to, target selection, communications, site diagramming and operational planning. 3) Marksmanship: Along with a regular, standardized qualification course, this will include practice in cold shot accuracy, moving targets, partially obscured targets, intermediate barriers, angled shooting, various distances, shooting positions, low-light and no light shooting and decision making. c) Sniper training will be continued on a regular basis but not less than 4 hours per month. d) In addition to the regular monthly training, Sniper/Observers will attend formal outside sniper training every 2 years to upgrade skills and knowledge. e) Every sniper shall obtain American Sniper Association certification within two years of being assigned to the sniper team and will maintain that certification during the rest of their tenure as a SWAT Team sniper
The lesson plans for the weapons standards drills will be maintained in the ‘H’ drive by the assigned SWAT Sergeant. Pass / Fail marks will be kept along with the monthly training report for the training involving the standard drills.
Tactical Sniper Selection Criteria a) Sniper candidates will be selected from the roster of SWAT team members, based on the listed criteria: 1) Current team member in good standing with the approval and endorsement of the team sergeants and team commanders. 2) Demonstrate a willingness, desire and aptitude for position 3) Good physical condition 4) Emotionally mature and stable 5) Recommended by the Sniper Team Leader 6) Pass the Carlsbad PD Sniper Functional Fitness Test b) The selected candidate will join the sniper team in a probationary status until he/she has completed the formalized sniper school. Regular status will be achieved after the candidate has graduated from a formal sniper school and has passed the department sniper qualification course. During the probationary period, the selected candidate may be removed from the sniper team at the discretion of the sniper team leader and/or at the discretion of the team commanders.
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Qualification and performance standards for the Sniper/Observer To maintain deployable status as a sniper, each sniper team member will be required to meet the following standards: a) Maintain deployable status as a member of the Carlsbad PD SWAT Team (carbine and pistol qualifications, physical fitness, etc.). b) Pass the Carlsbad PD SWAT Team sniper qualification course. The course will be designed to test the sniper’s skills as they apply to realistic job-related applications. This course will be administered at least quarterly. c) Failure to pass the Carlsbad PD SWAT Team sniper qualification course within two consecutive attempts results in non-deployable status (in a sniper role) until the sniper has remedial training and demonstrates proficiency/qualifies with their rifle with two consecutive passing scores.
Sniper Qualification Long Rifle Qualification Course The qualification course for snipers consists of the current American Sniper Association (ASA) Qualification Course
Authorized weapon (long rifle)
The department will issue the Sniper a .308 rifle/scope. Only department-approved alterations may be made, and in no case shall the factory-set trigger pull weight be changed. Only authorized accessories may be added. The department will also issue each Sniper a .223 caliber rifle with optical sight and back-up iron sights.
Required Deployment Equipment:
Sniper/Observer teams are trusted to utilize discretion when deployed. However, for the purpose of operator safety and complete functionality the following equipment shall be carried with Sniper/Observer teams when deployed on missions: a) Sidearm – Carried in a holster on an equipment belt or load bearing vest b) Restraint device c) Body Armor to be worn at all times when deployed. d) A Less-Lethal tool (i.e. Taser, Chemical Agent, Impact Weapon etc.) e) 800 MHz Radio
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GUIDELINES FOR USE OF SWAT
During high-risk situations, factors to be considered when requesting SWAT are: a) Special equipment. b) Specialized training. c) Tactics unfamiliar to most field officers. d) Incidents where a high potential for injury to citizens and police officers exists during confrontation with armed/suspected armed or dangerous persons.
FIELD REQUEST FOR SWAT
When a field supervisor has determined that SWAT personnel may be needed, the following procedure shall be used: a) The field supervisor shall contact the Watch Commander as soon as possible and brief him on the situation. The Watch Commander will ensure the SWAT Commander(s) and SWAT Sergeant(s) are contacted and are responding to meet the field supervisor at a specified location. b) The Incident Commander will brief the SWAT Team Commander(s) and ASSIGN THE OBJECTIVE OF THE MISSION, i.e., rescue hostage, apprehend suspect, etc. c) After evaluating the situation and upon determining that it is a SWAT incident, the SWAT Team Commander, Asst. Commander or designated team leader will determine the number of SWAT operators needed to accomplish the mission.
CALL-OUT PROCEDURES
The Watch Commander will notify:
1. SWAT Commander(s), or if unavailable,
2. One or all Team Sergeant(s) as available.
The Team Leader(s) will notify:
1. Team members
2. The SWAT Commander(s) when the Team members have been notified, or
3. The Watch Commander when the SWAT Commander(s) are unavailable.
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The SWAT Commander(s) will notify:
1. The Field Operations Division Commander.
2. The Watch Commander with verifications of the summoned responding.
In activating SWAT, the Watch Commander will brief the Commander(s) and Team Leaders of:
1. The type situation/nature of call-out. 2. Location of incident. 3. Location of the Tactical Staging Area (TSA). 4. Name of the supervisor in charge. 5. Phone number and radio call sign of supervisor.
Unless directed otherwise, all members will respond directly to the staging location.
Scouts will normally be deployed on all stand-by alerts to meet with the patrol field supervisor for a situation assessment briefing and to obtain firsthand tactical information. A tactical scouting mission will be conducted to facilitate the timely deployment of the team. When possible, the scouting mission will be conducted by the first arriving SWAT member(s).
COMMUNICATIONS
During an actual critical incident deployment, SWAT will communicate on a Carlsbad Police Department radio frequency as determined by the Team Commander(s). The last name of the team member will be used as a call sign when the member is deployed. A designated element (entry, delivery, and perimeter) leader will generally be responsible for team element communications.
Snipers may utilize the call sign similar to Sniper-1 through Sniper-4, to coincide with the number of the side of the target location that they have the best view of.
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SWAT TRAINING
SWAT will normally conduct 10 hours of monthly training and will adhere to the P.O.S.T. guidelines regarding training. Physical conditioning, weaponry, team building, tactical deployment, information gathering/distribution, and legal aspects constitute the typical curriculum.
The SWAT Team Leaders will facilitate training. The Team Commander or his designee will document all training with entries in a SWAT training file, and forward an outline and sign-in roster to the department’s training coordinator.
Team members are required to pass a physical fitness test semi-annually. One of the tests will consist of the S.E.D. obstacle and agility course located at Duffytown. The other semi-annual test will consist of an approved job relevant physical fitness test approved by the SWAT Commander(s).
Team members will also certify semi-annually with their chemical agent masks.
The philosophical approach to SWAT training is this:
"Perfect Practice Makes Perfect”- Each training scenario is to be treated as if it is a deployment. There are no excuses for anything less than professionalism at all times.
DOCUMENTATION, PERSONNEL FILES, TEAM TRAINING AND AFTER-ACTION REPORTS
The SWAT Commander(s) will maintain a collateral operator resume to include pertinent training information for each of the members. The resume will include documentation of the member's date selected to the team, team assignment, POST SWAT academy training information, less lethal certifications, and any additional relevant training which impact the individual or the mission of the unit.
The SWAT Commander(s) will also maintain a collateral file on all team training and missions. All warrant services will be documented via an operational plan, and all other activations will be documented via an after-action report.
The SWAT files will be secured and maintained according to the protocols and requirements for public safety employee personnel files. Supervisors of the member's parent unit are encouraged to consult with the SWAT staff in the preparation of annual performance reviews.
UNIFORMS
The standard SWAT uniform is to be worn during call-outs and designated special events unless otherwise required by the mission and/or at the direction of the team leader. The uniform consists of O.D. green BDUs with designated patches, O.D. green jumpsuits, Black baseball hat, "Boonie
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Hat," belt, trousers, high-topped black boots, and O.D. green undershirt. At the Team Leader's direction, shirtsleeves may be either rolled up or left down. Black boots are to be worn with the O.D. green uniform. The alternate sniper boots may be worn with the sniper uniform.
The Sniper/Observer uniform is authorized for wear during call-outs and designated special events at the discretion of the team leader. The provided uniform for snipers consists of Multi-Cam camouflage, however Sniper/Observers discretion is relied upon for geographical/topographical considerations with respect to ‘alternate’ patterns of camouflage for deployment on specific missions.
The uniform consists of camouflage BDU’s with designated patches, camouflaged jumpsuits, camouflaged baseball hat, camouflaged “Boonie Hat”, appropriately colored undershirt and high- topped boots (i.e. Dry Earth, OD Green, Coyote Brown, Multi-Cam etc.) that enhances the Sniper/Observers ability to ‘blend’ with their environment may be worn with the sniper uniform. Boots will be clean and brushed, but will not be highly polished.
The SWAT Commander(s) and Team Leaders will wear subdued rank insignia on the shirt collars or sleeves (Sergeants). All members will wear subdued Carlsbad Police Department patches on the upper sleeves of their shirts and field jackets. They will be sewn 1/2" below the shoulder seam, centered with the top of the shoulder.
The shirts and field jackets will bear an embroidered cloth badge abutting and above the top seam of the left breast pocket, and the member's last name similarly placed above the right pocket. The O.D. green tapes will have 3/4" high black embroidered block letters.
ISSUE AND MAINTENANCE OF EQUIPMENT
All issued and any authorized equipment shall be kept in a clean, well-maintained status. SWAT members shall mark their equipment with their name and/or badge number in an inconspicuous location. Members shall make any/all equipment available for inspection on request of a Team Leader.
SWAT Weapons/Qualifications:
The following firearms are authorized specifically for SWAT operations:
1 MP-5 Sub-machinegun (9mm) 2 Remington 870 Shotgun - less lethal 3 Royal-Arms-modified Mossberg Shotgun- breaching equipped
4 .223 Carbine/Rifle (AR-15 type / Colt Commando) with EoTech optic and Back-Up Iron Sight (B.U.I.S.) 5 .308 Remington 700 LTR Rifle with Night force scope 6 Def Tec/Fed Labs 40 mm Launcher for delivery of eXact iMpact and/or chemical munitions 7 Armalite AR-10(T) .308 Caliber
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All shoulder weapons, excepting .308 bolt-action Sniper rifles and Armalite AR-10, shall be equipped with EoTech Holographic optics and back-up iron sights. This combination has proven to be the most reliable, rugged, and best-suited combination for the specific needs of our team.
Weapons Training Unit Staff (WTU) assigned to SWAT will provide a qualification shoot for all officers assigned to SWAT on a quarterly basis. The SWAT WTU members will design a qualification course that will demonstrate proficiency in the use of each weapon authorized.
Team members who fail to achieve a passing score (90%) on any weapon system during a SWAT qualification shall not deploy with that weapon system until a passing score is achieved.
Team members that fail to achieve a passing score on the SWAT Qualification Course of Fire on their 2nd attempt shall not be deployable in that capacity until such time they can achieve a passing score.
Team members that are unable to achieve a successful passing score on the SWAT Qualification Course of Fire, shall be provided with a Remedial Firearms Training Plan. The Rangemaster or designated SWAT range staff member and the member’s SWAT supervisor shall develop a Remedial Firearms Training Plan. The plan shall identify the member’s deficiency(s), outline a training plan to assist the member in overcoming the deficiency(s), and identify a timeline for completion. The plan shall be submitted to the SWAT Commanding Officer. The SWAT Commanding Officer(s) shall review the plan, and if sufficient, authorize its implementation. The member’s supervisor shall be responsible for implementing the plan.
Members who fail to successfully complete a Remedial Firearms Training Plan may be removed from SWAT. Any member who has been identified for a Remedial Firearms Training Plan on more than two occasions in an 18-month period may be removed from SWAT. SWAT Team Members released under such circumstances will not be eligible to reapply for 12 months.
SWAT Team applicants who have been identified for remedial firearms training within the preceding 12-month period are not eligible to apply for the team.
Noise/Flash Distraction Devices:
Training: No SWAT Operator shall handle or deploy an N.F.D.D. (noise/flash distraction device) unless they have completed training on the safe deployment of the device and have demonstrated their proficiency in its use.
Deployment: When practical, the use of the distraction device should be outlined in the operational plan and approved by a Team Leader. This does not preclude any team member from using the device during a tactical operation in an unplanned event should the team member deem the deployment appropriate under the circumstances. The use of a distraction device is considered a “use of force.” Its deployment should be justified and fall within the guidelines of the department’s Use of Force policy. The officer deploying the distraction device should have a visual sighting of the target location. The device should generally not be blindly thrown through a window or into a building.
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Authorized Devices: The distraction device authorized for use by members of SWAT to include the Def-Tec M-25/Multi-Port Plus and CTS (or equivalent) distraction device and correlating reloads.
Go-Bag Equipment Checklist:
All items below will be in each go-bag at all times.
Goggles Entry vest Ballistic helmet Sunscreen Note pad/pencil Insect repellent Flashlight/fresh batteries Black electricians tape Nutrition bars Camelback-style hydration system Balaclava/Nomex hood Nomex gloves Elbow & kneepads Triangular bandage Gas mask Inclement weather gear Authorized N.F.D.D. Authorized chemical agents C.A.T. Tourniquet
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CRITICAL INCIDENT COMMAND FORMS
SUSPECT INFORMATION
SUSPECT # ______OF ______
LOCATION:
SPECIFIC CRIME COMMITTED:
GENERAL:
1. Full Name (last, first, middle):
2. Date of Birth:
3. Nicknames:
4. Residence Address/Phone Number:
5. Physical Description: RACE SEX HT
WT HAIR EYES
6. Clothing Description:
7. Weapons Availability:
8. Current State of Mind : Substance Abuse (Alcohol/Drugs)
HISTORY:
9. Criminal History:
10. Mental/Medical Disorders:
11. Doctor's Name/Location:
12. Family Members/Location:
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13. Employment:
14. Prior Use of Weapons/Violence:
15. Military Background ______(unit type, specialty, etc.)
16. Purpose/Motivation ______
17. Demands/Deadlines/Conditions: ______
HOSTAGE INFORMATION
HOSTAGE # ______OF ______
LOCATION:
1. Name:
2. Date of Birth:
3. Clothing Description:
4. Physical Description: RACE SEX HT
WT HAIR EYES
5. Medical/Physical/Emotional Conditions:
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STRUCTURE INFORMATION
If a structure is being contained, attempt to get a floor plan and/or a structure with a similar floor plan that can be examined. In addition, draw a rough sketch of the floor plan, which identifies perimeter doors, windows, and the location of telephone(s).
Include an arrow indicating north.
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OFFICER DEPLOYMENT INFORMATION
Draw a rough sketch of the structure (area) being contained and adjacent structures, streets, etc. Indicate the locations of officers (by unit designation) on the inner perimeter. Indicate north with an arrow.
NOTE: Identify all units on the scene (inner and outer perimeter and support) on the "Units on Scene" log.
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UNITS ON SCENE
Name/Call-sign: Location: Assignment: Special Equipment:
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TACTICAL BRIEFING PROCEDURE (SMEAC)
NOTE: Begin with an orientation, which includes your position and the general location of the target.
1. SITUATION: brief overview of the nature of the situation/incident. Mission of other supporting agencies.
2. MISSION: clear statement of purpose - what the SWAT is expected to do (but not how it will be done).
3. EXECUTION:
A. Target Description: Type of structure (commercial, residential, multi-story, etc.) Construction type Specific address Utility shut-offs Location of bathrooms (vent pipe, window(s), etc.) Obstacles (animals, fences, clotheslines, etc.) Doors (construction/type/opening direction) Windows (curtains/security grills/screens/louvered, etc.) Exterior lighting Interior floor plan Location of hostile neighbors
B. Suspect Information: Location Name Physical description/age Clothing Weapons History (criminal/psych/military/hunter) Purpose/motivation Cover and concealment
C. Hostage Information/Other Occupants: Location Name Physical description Age Relationship to suspect
D. Task Assignments: Teams/partners Order/sequence of movement
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Pursuit officer(s)
E. Observation/Fields of Fire (Enemy & Friendly)
F. Avenues of Approach/Withdrawal Evacuation routes for injured Exit points for suspect surrender
G. Timings Assembly point Caravan movement Be in position by ... Synchronize watches
H. Actions on Compromise
4. ADMINISTRATION & LOGISTICS:
A. Weapons/ammo B. Vehicles C. Environmental (i.e. weather, etc.) D. Food/drink E. Medical F. Custody of prisoners and victims
5. COMMAND & SIGNALS:
A. Location of Command Post B. Radio frequency C. Ancillary units/agencies D. Distractions/diversions E. Timetables F. Who is in charge of outer perimeter
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POST OPERATIONS CONSIDERATIONS
______Obtain Statement of Facts and any other applicable information from SWAT representative and ensure that initial report is taken by responding patrol unit.
______Account for all departmental equipment and ensure that it is serviced and returned to its storage place.
______Return borrowed equipment.
______Secure location of occurrence for preservation of evidence, etc.
______Release premises to owner or responsible party.
______Supervise clean-up of areas utilized by departmental personnel.
______Provide follow-up service to area residents relative to damaged property, claims against the City, etc.
______Determine who assisted departmental personnel and ensure that letters of appreciation are prepared.
______As soon as practical, critique the operation with involved personnel.
______See that all required reports, including a major incident report are prepared.
______Prepare press releases.
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CARLSBAD POLICE DEPARTMENT SWAT ACTIVATION MATRIX - PATROL EVENTS
AUTOMATIC HOSTAGE ACTIVE RIOT NATURAL BEARCAT ACTIVATION SHOOTER DISASTER DEPLOYMENT
WATCH BARRICADE 11-99 EMERGENCY HIGH RISK COMMANDE CALLBACK R APPROVAL
Hostage: Is the suspect armed? Type of weapon? Can you guarantee the safety of the hostage? Can you separate hostage from suspect? Can you intervene (access) if the suspect turns violent? Will you be successful? Would snipers be beneficial?
Active Shooter(s): A patrol response. Call-out because time is critical. Type of weapon? Significant injuries? Multiple injured persons? Suspect still at large? How many officers are wounded?
Riot: SWAT provides special equipment, coordination, and tactics. Can operate in unusually high threat environments. Supports and is a part of MFF operations.
Natural Disaster: Call back for significant depletion of personnel, prevention of looting, other related criminal behavior, search teams and site protection.
Bearcat deployment: If an incident requires the deployment of the Bearcat, it shall coincide with an automatic activation of the SWAT Team.
Barricade: Is suspect armed, threatening violence, wanted for serious crime but cannot be reached, is capable of injuring officers if arrest attempt is made?
11-99: Is there an outstanding / violent suspect? Is suspect contained to an area but a search will be hazardous? Are large numbers of personnel needed immediately?
Emergency Callback: Do you need personnel immediately due to significant depletion of patrol resources, high call volume, call types, injuries to officers, etc.? Missing person at risk with a time sensitive condition? Civil Unrest/Spontaneous Protests.
High-Risk: Is there any event that presents a high level of risk to the patrol officer and may require unusual or special equipment or tactics or may require a large number of personnel to the scene in a short period of time?
Team Cmndr : Lt. Lehan C- 760-717-7197 Entry Team Ldr : Sgt. Shipley C- 760-803-7178 Sniper Team Ldr : Sgt. Willis C- 760-445-8674 Perimeter Team Ldr : Sgt. Develasco C- 760-207-1395 Auxilliary Team Ldr: Sgt. Lawton C- 760-846-6082 CNT Team Ldr : Sgt. Beason C- 760-638-3731
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TO: All San Diego County SWAT Commanders
FROM: E. A. Courtney, Lieutenant San Diego Sheriff’s Department
SUBJECT: Protocol for serving high risk warrants in other jurisdictions
During a recent meeting of the San Diego County Police Chiefs and Sheriff, Chief Davis from the El Cajon Police Department expressed concern with tactical teams serving high risk warrants in another agency’s jurisdiction. He told members, if another agency obtained a warrant for service within the city limits, he would rather have his tactical team serve the warrant rather than the tactical team from the originating agency.
Historically, when an agency obtained a warrant that had to be served by a tactical team, responsibility for serving this high-risk warrant belonged to the agency in possession of the warrant. If the warrant service was in another jurisdiction, notification was made to that agency’s tactical commander. Their tactical commander was afforded the opportunity to meet with the originating agency and be briefed on the plan of execution. During the service of a high risk warrant in a neighboring jurisdiction, if the situation escalated into a barricaded situation, then the local agency where the incident was occurring was afforded the opportunity to activate their tactical team and relieve the on scene tactical team.
The Police Chiefs and Sheriff have asked the San Diego County SWAT Commanders to discuss these protocols and make recommendations concerning this issue. Lt. Bruno Cirello from the El Cajon Police Department and I brought the subject to the table, and two options were discussed. Every agency in attendance agreed that our current practice of allowing a tactical team to serve a warrant in another jurisdiction should remain unchanged. Agencies in possession of a warrant that require the assistance of a tactical team can elect to utilize their tactical team for service of the warrant, with the follow stipulations:
• Tactical teams planning to serve a warrant in another jurisdiction will contact that agency’s tactical commander.
• It is highly recommended that representatives from both tactical teams meet to discuss the tactical plan. We also encourage the tactical commander representing the jurisdiction where the incident is occurring to attend the tactical briefing and maintain a presence during the execution of the warrant.
• If, during the service of the warrant, the situation escalates into a barricaded or hostage situation, the local agency where the incident is occurring will be afforded the opportunity to either activate their team and assume control of the incident or defer to the tactical team serving the warrant.
Subject to the approval of the tactical commanders, our recommendations will be forwarded to the San Diego County Police Chiefs and Sheriff for their review.
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San Diego County Regional High Risk Entry Checklist
Items 1-12 (If you check mark "Yes" to 2 or more of the criteria listed below, SWAT shall be contacted.)
YES NO EXPLAIN 1. Is the location fortified? (Sally ports, internal fortifications, multiple gates, steel doors, etc.)
2. Sophisticated counter surveillance? (CCTV, intrusion devices, etc.)
3. Geographical layout of the target / property is too large or complicated?
4. Booby traps believed to be on premises?
5. Firearms, automatic weapons, explosives or military ordnance believed to be on the premises?
6. Suspect(s) believed to be associated with gangs/cartels?
7. Suspect(s) has criminal history involving violence? (Felony assault, robbery, mayhem, etc.)
8. Suspect(s) believed to be dealing narcotics on the premises?
9. Security screen doors or windows?
10. Based upon specific articulable facts, is there a likelihood of a violent / armed confrontation?
11. Suspect(s) wanted for felonious assault on peace officer?
12. Have specific threats of violence been made recently against peace officers?
When preparing an operational plan, this checklist shall be incorporated into the plan and used to evaluate the need for assistance from the SWAT Team.
Any number of circumstances may dictate that a Special Weapons Team be used. Officers and supervisors should contact a SWAT Supervisor/Commander whenever questions arise concerning the evaluation of the above listed criteria.
SWAT Contacted? Yes No Date/Time
Mission Accepted? Yes No If not accepted, explain briefly:
Prepared By: Date:
Reviewed By: Date:
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INCIDENT PIO COMMANDER
OPERATIONS
S.W.A.T. TACTICAL COMMANDER
ENTRY
R.E.A.C.T./ DELIVERY
PERIMETER
SNIPERS
C.N.T.
NEGOTIATOR
INTEL/ SUPPORT
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