U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government, Department of Justice.

NCJRS Virtual Library

The Virtual Library houses over 235,000 criminal justice resources, including all known OJP works.
Click here to search the NCJRS Virtual Library

Inside SWAT: America's Elite in Action

NCJ Number
152780
Author(s)
S L Crawford
Date Published
1992
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video profiles the training, weaponry, and equipment used by the Homestead SWAT Training School (Florida) to train police officers in Dade County in SWAT (special weapons and tactics) operations.
Abstract
The video first shows and explains the physical tests required of training applicants before they are accepted into the school. Physical requirements are rigorous, and most applicants do not qualify. After being accepted into the school, trainees are pushed to their physical and psychological limits; many do not complete the training. The video displays the training for dynamic and covert entry, which involves specialized training in teamwork. Training involves both written and performance tests. Other training is received in hostage negotiation, the use of diversionary devices, "fast roping," the development of shooting skills, and training in assaults on water. Another section of the video focuses on the SWAT armory, as an instructor lectures on the features and capabilities of various firearms used by a SWAT team. The techniques and weaponry of the SWAT sniper are then explained and demonstrated on the gun range, followed by a lecture and demonstration of the equipment and design of various tactical vests worn by SWAT team members. The mental preparation for SWAT members is discussed as the video concludes.