REVISED DATE November 15, 2011

EFFECTIVE DATE November 10, 2003

DISTRIBUTION All Personnel

NUMBER 920

CROSS REFERENCE: 920.001 920.10 920.20 920.30 920.40 920.50 Policy Definitions Organization and Personnel Alert and Call-Up Patrol Response Situation Commander

TITLE: SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS 920.60 920.70 920.80 920.90 Communications Center SWAT Operations Selection and Evaluation Tactical Vehicle & Equipment

920.001 Policy - The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) provides the department with a highly trained, specially equipped team to respond to high risk situations. The main objectives of such a force are the protection of the citizens of this city, the police personnel responding to such an incident and the subject himself. Although each situation will differ, the same basic tactics to successfully terminate the situation can be utilized. These are the concepts of time, talk and tactics. The procedures in this general order shall be reviewed at least annually by the SWAT Commander for accuracy and applicability. 920.10 Definitions - The following definitions apply through this order.

920.101 High Risk Situation - Incidents involving an act of violence or potential act of violence in which police officers are at a disadvantage and subject to extreme danger, which include: (1) Hostage Situation - Subject(s) holding one or more persons against their will with the actual or implied use of force; this could be as a result of a crime, domestic problem or other incident. Barricaded Subject - Subject(s) knowingly takes a position of confinement to avoid apprehension. All barricaded subjects will be considered armed until proven otherwise. Sniper Situation - Subject(s) that has placed himself in a position with a firearm, or has implied that he has a firearm, and fires upon or threatens to fire upon anyone. Crowd Control- Any civil disturbance or crowd control problem where the use of organized tactics, gas munitions, or rescue/apprehension from the crowd is anticipated Pre-Planned Arrests - Any pre-planned arrest situation where there is a probability that the subject(s) will resist with the use of weapons, i.e. high risk search warrants. High Risk Search Warrants To determine if a warrant qualifies as a High Risk Warrant, the Risk Assessment Matrix, CPD #11, shall be completed at the same time the search warrant is prepared with the original being retained with the original report. The matrix shall also be completed on arrest warrants in which the suspects have been under surveillance and it is known that the location/suspect is very dangerous and would score over 24 points on the matrix. The matrix is self-explanatory and the point total determines if a warrant is classified as a High Risk Warrant. Dignitary/Witness Protection - The planning, and if required, supplemental protection for dignitaries and high risk witnesses housed in the city

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5)

(6)

(7)

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(8)

Suicidal / Homicidal Subject - Poses a clear and imminent threat of danger to himself / herself, police officers and the general public.

920.102 Situation Commander - The highest-ranking officer on scene that has assumed command of a high-risk situation. 920.103 Command Post - Field Headquarters located in a safe and secure area, from which the Situation Commander, SWAT Commander and other staff officers will control the operation. 920.104 Inner Perimeter - The immediate area of containment. This area is initially manned by Patrol personnel until relieved by members of the SWAT Team. 920.105 Exterior Perimeter - Control area that is set up outside the inner perimeter to control crowd and traffic from gaining access into the problem area. 920.106 SWAT Team Alert - Members of team are made aware of a possible call-up in the near future, and if on duty, will be kept available for possible call-up. 920.107 SWAT Team Call-Up - Members of team are advised to meet in a designated area with all necessary equipment and supplies. 920.108 Plan of Action - Overall plan which outlines the course of action that may be utilized to terminate the situation. 920.109 Tactical Assault - Assault on a position that involves the apprehension of a suspect or termination of a situation. 920.110 After-Action Critique- A memorandum outlining comments regarding the recent tactical situation and any changes, additions, etc. for training, operational procedures, and administrative affairs of SWAT operation. 920.20 Organization and Personnel - The SWAT Team is an inter-divisional unit assigned to the Patrol Division. The Team Commander is appointed by the Chief of Police. All team members are selected by way of a competitive selection process. Personnel assigned to the team assume the duty as a secondary assignment to their regularly assigned duties.

920.201 The SWAT Team is comprised of the following personnel: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) 920.21 SWAT Team Commander Assistant SWAT Team Commanders Team Leaders (Appointed by Commander) Training Coordinator Assistant Team Leader Team Members Negotiations Team Leader (Appointed by Commander) Assistant Negotiations Team Leader Negotiators

Team Commander - Duties and responsibilities of the SWAT Team Commander include the following: (1) (2) (3) Responds to SWAT Team call-ups and coordinate tactical plans with the Situation Commander. Directs the tactical operations. Completes an after-action report and defensive tactics review subsequent to the completion of each SWAT operation.
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(4)

Insures that the Communications Center has a current list of SWAT Team members and their current assignments. Coordinates the SWAT training. Coordinates the selection and evaluation of SWAT Team members. Insures that SWAT Team equipment is maintained in a state of operational readiness and recommends replacement or additional equipment. Evaluates SWAT Team performance and makes recommendations as necessary. Coordinates all administrative affairs of SWAT Teams, to include maintenance of a call-out history file.

(5) (6) (7)

(8) (9)

920.211 Assistant SWAT Team Commander - Duties and responsibilities of the Assistant SWAT Team Commander include that of team commander as assigned and/or command of SWAT Team when team commander is unavailable. 920.22 Team Leader - Duties and responsibilities of SWAT Team Leaders include the following: (1) (2) Reports to the SWAT Team Commander in matters concerning the Team; Coordinates plans of action with the Situation Commander and Team Commander, and makes recommendations for any specific tactics that he feels necessary. Directs all tactical assaults and other assignments involving the team he is assigned to command. Makes recommendations to the commander regarding the formation of training guidelines, purchase or modification of equipment, or changes in tactical procedures based upon his observations of SWAT operations.

(3) (4)

920.221 Assistant Team Leader - Assumes the duties of team leader when the team leader is unavailable. 920.23 Training Coordinator Duties and responsibilities of the Training Coordinator include the following: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) 920.24 Works with the Team Commander to establish annual team training curriculum Documents training and attendance Conducts and documents semi-annual weapons qualifications Assigns subject matter instructors to conduct monthly training sessions Acts as a liaison to the Training Unit and outside agencies Coordinates the utilization of training venues

Team Members - Duties and responsibilities of tactical SWAT Team members (including team leaders) include the following: (1) Reports to the SWAT Team Leader or assistant team leader in matters concerning Team operations.
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(2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

Maintains all issued SWAT Team equipment in a state of operational readiness at all times. Attends scheduled SWAT training exercises (absences must be excused in advance). Keeps the Team Leader informed of all developments during a SWAT operation. Follows the directions and orders of the assigned Team Leader during a SWAT operation. Responds to SWAT Team alerts and call-ups that may occur at any time in designated uniform and with all authorized equipment. Although not considered "on-call," is generally available for call-ups during off-duty hours. (Occasional unavailability is acceptable; consistent unavailability is unacceptable.) Maintains a positive attitude, physical health and conditioning required for Team members. Performs assigned tasks relating to maintenance of equipment, inventories, and other ongoing operational and administrative needs of the team. Maintains standards as set forth in the selection process.

(7)

(8) (9)

(10) 920.25

Training The SWAT Team Commander shall establish a training schedule and training exercises to include readiness-training operations. The Commander will publish this schedule of dates at the beginning of each calendar year. Once a month, the Team Commander or designee will distribute a memorandum outlining the months training exercises.

920.251 Training is imperative to maintain the SWAT team at a high state of readiness. Presently 18 days are allotted per year for the purpose of SWAT training. Therefore, any SWAT team member that misses more than 4 training days per year will be evaluated by the SWAT team commanders to determine if that member will remain on active status on the team. 920.30 Alert and Call-Up - Any command officer with the rank of lieutenant or higher is authorized to call-up the SWAT team for an existing or potential high-risk situation. Emergency Call-Up - The commander authorizing the call-up shall activate the call-up procedures by notifying the SWAT Team Commander or, in his absence, the Assistant SWAT Team Commander. The Team Commander (or Assistant SWAT Team Commander) will then coordinate the notification of the team members. The commander authorizing the call-up will notify the District Commander and the Patrol Commander.

920.31

920.311 The commander authorizing the call-up shall notify the Staff Duty Officer. 920.32 Non-Emergency Alert and Call-Up - A non-emergency alert and call-up may occur in the case of pre-planned arrests or other potential high risk situations which have not yet completely developed. In such cases, the commander in charge shall notify the Staff Duty Officer, district commander, and division commander that the potential for a call-up exists. When any of the tactical officers of the SWAT Team are to be utilized in a SWAT capacity, the SWAT Team Commander or his designee will determine the appropriate number of SWAT Team personnel that are required to successfully carry out the mission. This procedure is necessary due to the methods, training, and equipment of the teams. Similarly, no negotiator may be used in a negotiation capacity during a high-risk situation unless the SWAT tactical team is activated, except for crisis interventions.
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920.33

920.40

Patrol Response - Responding patrol units, upon determining that a high risk situation exists, should immediately establish an inner perimeter and simultaneously notify their patrol supervisor. The patrol supervisor shall respond to the scene, evaluate the situation, and, upon confirming the existence of a high-risk situation, notify the district commander (or other appropriate command authority, if the situation is determined by other than Patrol Division personnel). The commander authorizing the call-up should confirm the high risk situation, commence the call-up procedures immediately, then respond to the scene, and assume the responsibilities of the Situation Commander as described in 920.50. Situation Commander - The on-scene commander shall assume the following responsibilities during a high-risk situation: (1) Insure that interior and exterior perimeters are established and adjacent areas are cleared of all uninvolved persons. Establish a temporary command post, located inside the exterior perimeter, but outside the interior perimeter from which the operation will be controlled. Establish liaison with the Team Commander and Team Leaders to develop a plan of action. Determine if there is a need for negotiators and if so, to insure that the SWAT Team Commander is so informed. Alert the fire department of the situation; if necessary, have fire rescue and ambulance standing by outside the outer perimeter. Determine the need for specialized surveillance equipment and, if so, arrange for its delivery to the scene. Establish a media assembly area and coordinate press relations, utilizing the Public Information Officer or his designee. Discuss and agree upon the plan of action with the SWAT Commander and Team Leaders including authorizing the use of: (A) (B) (C) (9) Gas Munitions Special Tactics Deadly Force

920.41

920.42

920.50

(2)

(3) (4)

(5)

(6) (7)

(8)

Allow the SWAT Commander and Team Leaders to direct and conduct the actual tactical operation. However, the situation commander shall retain overall command of the situation. Submit to the SWAT Team Commander an after-action memorandum that shall be included in the overall critique of the operation.

(10)

920.60

Communications Center - During a high risk situation, the on duty communications supervisor shall be responsible for the following: (1) To notify the patrol sergeant and lieutenant when it is felt that a high-risk situation exists.
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(2)

In the event of a SWAT Team Call-Up, to assist in the notification of the Team Commander, as directed. (In his absence, the SWAT chain-of-command will be followed.) All on duty team members shall be relieved of all other responsibilities immediately so that they may respond to call-up without delay. Those SWAT personnel already involved in the situation should not be utilized until they can be properly relieved, unless they are involved in a life or death situation. To assist in notifying off-duty members of the SWAT teams, as directed. To clear a radio group as soon as possible, for the exclusive use of the SWAT operation. To provide all other cooperation possible to the SWAT Situation Commander and officers involved in the operation. Upon instructions of the Situation Commander or Staff Duty Officer, notify the following personnel: (A) (B) (C) (D) (E) Chief of Police; Patrol Division Commander, if he is not the Staff Duty Officer; Investigations Division Commander, if he is not the Staff Duty Officer; Public Information Officer; Professional Standards Section Commander

(3) (4) (5)

(6)

(7) 920.70

To coordinate communications with other agencies.

SWAT Operations - The existence of any of the following situations shall mandate the notification of the SWAT Team Commander according to the provisions of this order: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) Pre-planned arrests of potentially violent persons, i.e. high risk warrant service. Dignitary or witness protection Suicidal / homicidal subjects as defined by 920.101 (7). Barricaded suspects. Hostage situations. Active Shooter situations

920.71

Pre-Planned Arrests - The commander of the division or his designee making the arrest(s) of a potentially violent person, as determined by the Risk Assessment Matrix (see 925.30) shall notify the SWAT Team Commander or his designee, allowing as much advance notice as possible. The case agent/officer and unit supervisor will complete the Risk Assessment Matrix (CPD 11) and provide the SWAT Team Commander or designee with a copy to be retained in the SWAT call-out file. The case agent and the SWAT Team Commander or designee should prepare the plan of action. The Division Commander shall retain overall command of the operation, unless he relinquishes command to the SWAT Commander or designee. The SWAT Commander or designee shall direct all operations and movements of SWAT Team personnel. In all cases the district/section commander and division commander will be notified of the operation. Dignitary or Witness Protection - Notification of a visiting dignitary or other person needing SWAT protection shall be made to the Intelligence Unit and the SWAT Team Commander, if necessary, allowing as much advance notice as possible. The SWAT Team Commander or his designee shall supervise and coordinate the security detail, to include arrangements for the following:
6

920.72

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(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) 920.73

Special equipment requirements, i.e. vehicles, body armor, and weapons. Planning and reconnoitering travel routes and alternates. Advance inspection of sites and facilities. The gathering of intelligence information. Adequate emergency first aid, ambulance and medical facilities. Adequate communications capabilities. Identification of participating personnel by visible designations. Coordinate operations with agency personnel and outside personnel, if any.

Barricaded Suspect/Hostage - Initial responding units to a barricaded suspect/hostage situation should immediately notify their supervisor who shall respond to the scene and assume command. Upon confirming the status of the situation, the supervisor should relay the information to the District Commander or other command personnel with authority to activate the SWAT Team. The following steps should then be taken: (1) The immediate area shall be cordoned off to seal avenues of escape, and innocent bystanders and injured victims should be evacuated from the area. SWAT Team notification procedures should be activated. The commander authorizing the call-up shall respond to the scene to assume command and establish a command post from which to direct operations. A separate radio frequency shall be staffed by a dispatcher and designated as the tactical radio net. Upon arrival of the SWAT team, the established inner perimeter will be relieved by the SWAT team and an outer perimeter shall be established to control the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic through the area. Provisions should be made for chase and/or surveillance vehicles. No unauthorized persons should be allowed inside the outer perimeter and all persons leaving the outer perimeter should be identified. After the outer perimeter is secured, procedures to establish communications with the subject should be initiated under the direction of the situation commander, pending the arrival of a trained negotiator who will then assume that responsibility. The SWAT Commander and Situation Commander shall develop a plan of action and coordinate efforts among patrol personnel, the SWAT Team, and Negotiators.

(2)

(3) (4)

(5)

(6)

920.731 In a barricaded suspect/hostage situation, any negotiations with the subject shall proceed within the following constraints: (1) (2) (3) No police personnel will be traded as hostage. No firearms or weapons of any type will be provided to the suspect(s). Any other items to be provided to the suspect must be approved by the Situation Commander and SWAT Team Commander.

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(4)

Only a trained negotiator will be used for dialogue with the subject during a SWAT operation. A third party intermediary, under the supervision of a trained negotiator, may be used to contact the subject with the prior approval of the SWAT Team Commander and the Situation Commander. The SWAT Team Commander or Team Leader will work in conjunction with the Hostage Negotiation Team Leader from the Command Post to control the incident. The tactical element of the SWAT team will be responsible for scene containment. The hostage negotiations team will be responsible for communications with the suspect, contacting support services, including the Intelligence Unit, Crime Analyst, and working with the Communications Center.

(5)

920.74

Use of Flash/Sound Diversionary Devices - Only personnel who have successfully completed a departmental approved training course in the proper use and deployment of flash/sound diversionary devices (which was designed after the National Tactical Officers Association Diversionary Device Reference Manual) shall be certified/authorized to deploy them during actual operations.

920.741 Except in extreme emergencies (i.e., life-threatening situations), flash/sound diversionary devices shall not be used without prior authorization of the tactical team commander. In the absence of the tactical team commander, the tactical team leader may authorize their use. 920.742 Circumstances justifying the use of flash/sound diversionary devices shall include, but not be limited to: Barricaded suspect and/or hostage situations Sniper situations Crowd control/ Rescue operations Pre-planned arrest situations Circumstances wherein distraction of violent mentally deranged persons or those under the influence of alcohol/drugs is believed necessary in order to facilitate apprehension. Other situations where their use may increase the chance of safely resolving the incident. Prior to deploying flash/sound diversionary devices, personnel shall consider available intelligence information and circumstances (i.e., the presence of children, elderly persons, etc.) These examples will not preclude the use of flash/sound diversionary devices; however, great care shall be used when making that determination. Circumstances may dictate an exterior deployment is preferable to deployment on the interior of a structure. Whenever possible, devices shall be deployed to an area visible to the deploying officer. Circumstances that may prohibit the use of flash/sound diversionary devices would be the existence of a drug laboratory or other explosive environments. Because flash/sound diversionary devices have the potential to ignite flammable materials, a portable fire extinguisher shall be readily accessible whenever devices are to be deployed. 920.75 Use of Chemical Munitions - Unless special circumstances exist, (such as the rescue of a downed officer where the use of CS-MPG grenades or OC- Grenades are authorized by trained personnel) The S.W.A.T. Commander will give the order to deploy chemical munitions. Only the minimum amount of chemical munitions will be used to resolve the incident. Research has shown that there are no significant differences between the affects of CS and OC on an adult and that of a child or an elderly person. However, when possible, special consideration will be given before the deployment of chemical munitions into a structure/vehicle occupied by children and/or the elderly. Anyone exposed to chemical munitions will be provided medical attention as soon, as is safely possible.

920.751 In many cases, decontamination of chemical agents deployed by the Clearwater Police Department S.W.A.T. team into any structure/vehicle will be the responsibility of the property owner. However, the SWAT Team commander or the Chief of Police shall make the final determination regarding the responsibility for assuming the
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costs of decontamination or repairs. The chemical munitions officer may provide the owner with written decontamination suggestions when requested. 920.752 Once the incident is resolved, all expended munitions will be collected and disposed of when possible. An inventory of the used munitions and their effectiveness will be noted. 920.80 Selection and Evaluation - To fulfill the purpose of the team concept, it is imperative that the proper personnel are selected. Physical ability and firearms proficiency are only a portion of this process. Maturity, experience, and decision making ability are also important to the function of the team. Continuous evaluation of team members will be necessary during their tenure on the team. The following criteria and qualifications, in addition to those outlined in General Order 187, shall govern the selection process for team members other than negotiators: (1) Each candidate must have two (2) years of operational experience beyond their probationary period. or be off probation, and have at least (2) years of prior police experience. Each candidate must demonstrate the ability to conduct himself calmly and effectively in stressful situations. The candidate's personnel file must reflect a low incident of sick leave, a low traffic accident record, and a low sustained personnel complaint record. The candidate's performance evaluations must be Meets Standard or higher, at a minimum, on each evaluation for the previous year, demonstrating a desire and ability to do work of high quality. The candidate must display initiative, job interest, and dedication to the police profession. The candidate should be aware of the necessity of a personal commitment to training, realizing a large amount of his time will be committed to producing an effective program. The candidate must satisfactorily complete physical fitness tests, agility tests, as well as marksmanship tests administered by the SWAT Team Commander. The physical fitness and agility tests consist of challenges likely to be encountered during a SWAT operation. The candidate must make voluntary application to the Patrol Commander. The candidate's disciplinary record from Internal Affairs will be reviewed by the SWAT Commander and must not show any sustained complaints in the past two (2) years, or a number of not sustained complaints that may indicate a disciplinary problem. The candidate must make a two-year commitment to the program.

920.81

(2)

(3)

(4)

(5) (6)

(7)

(8) (9)

(10) 920.82

The following criteria and qualifications shall, in addition to those outlined in General Order 187, govern the selection process for SWAT Team Negotiators: (1) (2) Candidates must have completed the probationary period. Candidates must have demonstrated ability in conducting themselves calmly and effectively in stressful situations.

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(3)

Candidates' performance evaluations must be Meets Standards, at a minimum, on each evaluation for the previous year, demonstrating a desire and ability to do work of high quality. Candidates must possess exceptional human interactive and communication skills. Candidates must be in good physical condition, able to withstand prolonged periods of negotiating. Candidates must have the recommendation of supervisory personnel and the Negotiations Team Leader. The candidate must display initiative, job interest, and dedication to the police profession. The candidate should be aware of the necessity of a personal commitment to training, realizing a large amount of his time will be required to producing an effective program. The candidate must make a three-year commitment to the program.

(4) (5) (6) (7) (8)

(9)

920.821 Exceptions Candidates applying for SWAT/Hostage Negotiator openings and existing SWAT team members shall meet the following conditions: (1) No employee from the Criminal Investigations Division, Homicide Unit may be on the tactical SWAT Team. (2) The Criminal Investigations Division Commander has the discretion to limit the number of SWAT team members assigned to units in the Criminal Investigations Division. (3) With the exception of the Training Unit, no employee from the Professional Standards Section may be a member of the SWAT Team or Hostage Negotiation Team. (4) The Personnel & Training Section Commander has the discretion to restrict employees assigned to the Training Unit from being members of the SWAT Team and Hostage Negotiations Team. 920.83 Personnel shall be recommended by a panel of SWAT Team supervisors who shall conduct an oral interview with each candidate. During this interview, the qualifications of the candidate shall be closely examined and questions relating to them may be asked. The panel may also question the candidate as to his/her motives for wanting to be on the SWAT Team. The interview shall be constructed so that the team may be present during the interview but will not participate in the questioning or dialogue.

920.831 The SWAT Team Commander will also solicit input from the team members regarding the candidates suitability for consideration. This input will be documented and included in the selection process. 920.832 Candidates shall be selected for the team by joint decision of the SWAT Team Commander and the Chief of Police. 920.84 Evaluation - All team members shall be required to maintain those qualifications required for selection throughout their tenure on the team.

920.841 The SWAT Team Commander shall develop and implement an annual re-certification process that may include written tests, physical tests, and practical exercises. The physical tests will consist of challenges likely to be encountered during a SWAT operation. The specific tests and results will be maintained in the SWAT files. 920.842 Team members must satisfactorily complete the re-certification process to be retained on the team in an active status. Team members who fail to re-certify will be given three months to re-certify. If they fail to re-certify, they
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will be placed in an inactive status and given another three months to re-certify. Failure to re-certify at this time could result in removal from the team. The SWAT Team Commander may make exceptions based on documented medical conditions.

920.845 A member who is inactive or absent from the Team for 12 months must re-apply to the Team and meet the selection criteria. 920.846 Any member, who, as a result of an internal affairs complaint, has a sustained finding, shall be made inactive or removed from the team, as outlined in G.O. 187.30 and 187.32. The SWAT Team Commander and Patrol Division Commander shall consider the nature of the complaint, the members work record and performance reviews before recommending any inactive status or removal. The Chief of Police will make the final decision. 920.847 Upon completion of a period of inactive status from the team, the member may apply for reinstatement. The SWAT Team Commander will re-evaluate the members performance review and work record for the time of the inactive status before making a decision to allow the member back onto the team. 920.90 Tactical Vehicle and Equipment - The SWAT Team Commander shall develop procedures for the maintenance, issuance, and inventory of team and issued personal equipment and vehicles.

920.901 SWAT Team personnel are responsible for all equipment issued to them and to insure it is kept in good condition and readily available for immediate use. 920.902 Team equipment (support equipment not issued to an individual) shall be stored in designated areas. 920.91 Damaged, malfunctioning, or lost SWAT equipment must be reported to a SWAT Team leader immediately. Team members shall not attempt to repair SWAT weapons, unless authorized to do so. SWAT Team weapons may be maintained in separate, secure gun cabinets in the SWAT armory. These cabinets shall be kept locked at all times. Access to these cabinets shall be restricted to Team members.

920.92

920.921 SWAT weapons, ammunition, and chemical agents shall be issued only at the direction of a SWAT Team Commander.

920.931 All weapons shall be loaded and cleaned in a safe area. 920.932 Only department issued or authorized ammunition shall be fired in SWAT weapons. 920.933 SWAT team personnel are held to a high standard of weapons safety. In the event of an accidental discharge, all details of the discharge will be taken into consideration. The team commander will determine if a suspension or removal from the team is appropriate. 920.934 Firearm Specifications - The S & W M&P .40 caliber handgun and the H & K M416 Enhanced .223 caliber Carbine and/or the Colt AR 15, .223 Model 6721 are the weapons issued to each member of the SWAT team along with three magazines, mounted laser, mounted Eotech Holo-sight, mounted flashlight, cleaning kit, tactical sling and a soft carry case for carrying on-duty. SWAT Members may also carry the Mossberg 590A 12-gauge shotgun. SWAT Snipers are also issued a .308 Remington bolt-action rifle with attendant scope system.

11 920 - SWAT 11/11

920.9341 Firearms Qualifications Team members will qualify on assigned weapons systems two times per year. SWAT snipers will qualify monthly with their assigned long rifles. A team member failing to qualify will be given three opportunities to qualify during the qualification session. If they fail to qualify on the third attempt, they will be placed on an inactive status. Remedial training will be provided prior to a final qualification attempt on a different date. Failure to qualify at that time could result in removal from the team. 920.935 Each SWAT member is responsible for the general care and maintenance of their assigned weapons. All weapons shall be thoroughly inspected and undergo a complete maintenance program once per year by the SWAT team armorer. 920.9351 Rifle and Shotgun Security - All firearms and weapons shall be secured as described in S.O.P 102.34-102.342. 920.936 Members are authorized to carry their SWAT weapons with them off duty secured in the trunk of a department or personal vehicle locked in a department hard or soft case for the purpose of facilitating a more rapid deployment and efficient response to an active situation of off-duty personnel. This provision shall not be construed to provide for the permanent storage of SWAT weapons in the trunk of department or personal vehicles while a SWAT member is off-duty. Weapons shall not be secured in the trunks of vehicle when the vehicle is to be parked for an extended period of time. 920.938 Deployment - Each SWAT member shall carry the assigned weapons on-duty in the employees assigned cruiser. The weapons will be secured in compliance with 920.9351. The weapons will not be used to intimidate, threaten, or as a show of force. It should be considered the silent partner. 920.939 Use of the long weapons in crowd situations where deadly force is necessary should be considered with extreme caution due to the possibility of injury to innocent bystanders. In all cases, when the long weapons are deployed all policies and procedures regarding the use of deadly force shall be adhered to. 920.94 Members shall clean SWAT weapons after each case. The weapons shall be checked by a SWAT supervisor prior to storage. Mobile Command Center - The SWAT Team may utilize the department Mobile Command Center as outlined in general order 115 for SWAT operations to serve as a command post or other authorized function. C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle The Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, or High-Yield Explosive (C.B.R.N.E.) Emergency Response Vehicle is a mobile command center, which is designed to improve the departments response to unusual or significant incidents, particularly those involving highly volatile materials. This vehicle may be utilized for any incident or event, which requires the coordination of significant departmental or inter-departmental resources. In addition to being utilized within the departments jurisdictional boundaries, the vehicle may be utilized in cooperation with the Tampa Bay Urban Area Security Initiative (U.A.S.I.).

920.95

920.96

920.960 The C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle shall only be utilized upon authorization from the SWAT Team Commander, the Chief of Police, or the Chief of Polices designee. 920.961 The SWAT Team Commander shall be responsible for the maintenance and condition of the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle and for coordinating the training and certification of approved operators. 920.962 The C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle shall be operated only by those personnel who have received training in the operation of the vehicle. 920.963 Authorized Operators - The SWAT Team Commander shall maintain a list of personnel authorized to operate the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle.
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920.964 In preparation for the efficient deployment of resources during emergency situations, the SWAT Team Commander or his designee will provide appropriate training to designated SWAT Team personnel concerning the operation of the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle. 920.965 Additional training in the operation of the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicles components, such as electronics, technology, etc., is also provided prior to the SWAT Team Commander granting any person authorization to operate the vehicle. Only authorized operators who have completed training in the components of the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle are permitted to operate the vehicle. 920.966 Additional and/or refresher training in the operation of the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle and its components will be provided to authorized operators as deemed appropriate by the SWAT Team Commander. 920.967 The C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle shall not be driven in reverse without a second department employee present. The second employees obligation is to assist the vehicle operator in safely guiding the vehicle to its intended position. 920.968 Information relating to instructions, conditions, and limitations of usage shall be retained in the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle. The vehicle shall only be operated in accordance with these instructions, conditions, and limitations. 920.97 The SWAT Team Commander shall maintain an inventory listing of departmental equipment to be stored in the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle. A copy of this inventory shall also be retained within the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle. This inventory shall be updated, at a minimum, on a yearly basis.

920.970 The SWAT Team Commander shall inspect, or cause to be inspected, the operational readiness of the C.B.R.N.E. Emergency Response Vehicle, and any associated equipment, on a monthly basis. A record of these inspections will be maintained by the SWAT Team Commander.

END.

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