NCJ Number
176054
Date Published
1996
Length
317 pages
Annotation
A police officer with more than 25 years of experience explains the purpose and operations of Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams; describes the roles of negotiators, snipers, observers, and assault teams in specific incidents; summarizes factors that affect a SWAT team's success or failure; and comments on the future role of SWAT teams.
Abstract
The book explains the origins of SWAT teams following Charles Whitman's murders from the University of Texas clock tower in 1966. Topics include police snipers, intelligence and planning, command post operations, teamwork, equipment, training, perimeters and security, hostages and hostage negotiations, site assault, mobile threats and hijackings, high-risk warrant service, and interagency cooperation. The discussion recounts the details of numerous real events to demonstrate the role of SWAT teams and the necessity of planning, training, and teamwork. Photographs, index, and 37 references