Regionalization as an Answer for Small Town SWAT Teams
Files
Date
2018
Authors
Emmons, Nic
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
Description
Citizens, city councils, and elected officials expect local police departments to
respond to and handle a variety of dangerous and violent situations. Many of these
situations require equipment and skills that are advanced well beyond the standard
training officers receive in police academy. Because of the dangers involved, many
agencies see the need to develop special units often called Specialized Weapons and
Tactics teams (SWAT). Because of a number of complexities, budget constraints and
manpower issues, many small police agencies find it difficult to staff, fund, and maintain
SWAT teams. Beyond the initial overview, administrative control issues may also
emerge.
The purpose of this research paper is to identify and resolve the resulting
issues and recommend a number of solutions. Any agency which lacks the
employees, funding, or equipment needed to successfully contain and control an
incident should partner with other agencies of similar geographic location. The
combining of resources results in a greater benefit to the citizen safety as well as
reducing economic strain. To support this position, the researcher utilized articles,
newspapers, internet sites, and publications from the leading experts in the field of
SWAT research and standards.
Keywords
Intergovernmental cooperation, Police--special weapons and tactics