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Successful Composition of SWAT/Hostage Teams for Medium to Small Cities

NCJ Number
109172
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1988) Pages: 32-33
Author(s)
K A Hansen
Date Published
1988
Length
2 pages
Annotation
The SWAT unit and the Negotiation unit in Racine, Wis., have proven to be a safeguard against life-threatening situations.
Abstract
In 1987, recognizing a need for specially trained individuals to respond to high-risk situations, the Racine Police Department formed a SWAT unit consisting of two eight-member teams and a team leader. The unit initially received 40 hours of FBI-sponsored training and currently trains a minimum of 5 hours bimonthly in addition to any other training mandated by the department. Each member must also qualify 3 times per year with a proficiency of 90 percent or higher with the weapons carried by the unit. Formed in 1980, the Negotiation Unit consists of nine selected sworn officers and is available for risky entry situations not involving hostages should they develop into a 'barricaded subject' situation.