Swat-Version-2011

Approved

____________________________________________

Chief Peyton Grinnell Date Chief Deputy Lake County Sheriff’s Office

Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT

Unit Level Operating Guide

Effective March 2011

SWAT Unit Level Operating Guide

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Contents

Mission Statement and Goals ................................................................................................. 4

Selection and reassignment Process ....................................................................................... 5

SWAT Personnel Policies ......................................................................................................... 6

Vehicles ................................................................................................................................... 7

SWAT Training ......................................................................................................................... 8

SWAT Tactical Commander ..................................................................................................... 9

SWAT Tactical Intelligence Officer ........................................................................................ 10

SWAT Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader .................................................................. 11

SWAT Operator ..................................................................................................................... 12

Sniper/Observer .................................................................................................................... 13

Less than Lethal Operations .................................................................................................. 14

SWAT Medic .......................................................................................................................... 18

Hazardous Materials ............................................................................................................. 19


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Introduction

This unit level standard operation procedure supersedes any previous directives set forth by the Sheriff of Lake County. It is the intent of this document to provide all agency members with general principles and concepts of how the Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team operates. SWAT Standards published by the National Tactical Officers Association in September 2008 is a general guideline and template of training that the Lake County Sheriff’s Office team operates from. This document is not intended to provide Tactical resolution measures nor does it predict Tactical outcomes.


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Lake County Sheriff’s Office


Mission Statement and Goals

Mission Statement

It is the mission of Lake County Sheriff’s Office personnel assigned to SWAT to provide an immediate, systematic response of trained law enforcement personnel and equipment to tactical situations, emergencies, critical incidents or natural disasters that exceed the capabilities of a requesting agency. Critical incidents are defined as follows:

Hostage Situations: the holding of any person(s) against their will by an armed or potentially armed suspect.

Barricade Situation: the stand-off created by an armed or potentially armed suspect in any location, whether fortified or not, who is refusing to comply with law enforcement demands for surrender.

Sniper Situations: the firing upon citizens and/or law enforcement officers by an armed suspect, whether stationary or mobile.

High-Risk Apprehension: the arrest or apprehension of armed or potentially armed suspects where the likelihood of armed resistance is high.

High-Risk Warrant Service: the service of search or arrest warrants where the warrant service matrix or policy recommends or requires the use of SWAT.

Personal Protection: the security of special persons, such as VIP’s, witnesses, or suspects, based on threat or potential threat to the well being of those persons.

Special Assignments: any assignment, approved by the SWAT Operations Commander, based on a high level of threat and/or need.

Goals

Lake County SWAT is committed to preserve life in high-risk situations through the use of specialized training, equipment, and tactics in a professional manner that inspires confidence in the community.

All operations will be conducted with the highest regard for the preservation of life.

The SWAT Team is committed to the safe resolution of all high risk situations and will approach each situation in a professional and controlled manner, with an emphasis on a negotiated resolution.

The SWAT Team will use the best available specialized training and equipment to accomplish its mission and will develop the specialized skills of each team member.

The SWAT Team is committed to a controlled, rapid response to high risk situations in order to gain control and minimize the risk of death or injury to any person.

Team members approach their duties with a high level of confidence, motivation, flexibility, and patience.

The SWAT Team members acknowledge their dependence upon one another and work as a team in an atmosphere of trust, confidence, and open communication.


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Selection and reassignment Process

This procedure sets forth parameters in which SWAT candidates are selected and/or reassigned.

Must have completed departmental probation.

Must successfully pass a documented and approved task oriented PFT.

Must successfully pass all the documented SWAT firearms qualifications.

Must successfully pass an oral board administered by Tactical Commanders.

Removal for unsatisfactory documented work performance with final determination being the Sheriff at the recommendation of the Tactical Commanders.

Team member can self remove themselves from SWAT duties at any time by notifying the Tactical Commanders in writing.

When an operational team member attains the rank of Lieutenant, a reassignment/change of status will occur, by either filling a vacant non-operational position or removal from the team upon the promotion date.

The Tactical Commanders can waive any and all of these standards if it is the best interest of the team.


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SWAT Personnel Policies

This policy sets forth parameters in an activation situation:

Tactical Commanders or designee will issue an order for the activation based on their operational experience, using the totality of the incident as his benchmark on whether, and to what scale, activation should be issued.

Any on-scene commander requesting SWAT will notify and brief the Tactical Commanders and only then will the order be issued for team activation.

Having joined the SWAT team is a commitment that is 24 hrs a day, 365 days a year, and 7 days a week. With that, the Team is split into two squads, “Team 1” and “Team 2”; they rotate the initial activation response every other week. If needed, the opposing Team will be called out on a needed basis.

If an operator is going to be unavailable, they will notify the Tactical Commanders or their designee via e-mail or memo at least 24 hrs prior to their absence.

The activation will be done by the all call text/e-mail system, a return text/e-mail to the originator must be done verifying attendance or not.

If operator cannot attend the function, he/she will notify the Tactical Commanders or designee immediately.

This policy sets forth parameters in uniform standards

Tactical Commanders or designee will designate the training uniform for the day; if this cannot be given the training uniform will be digital camouflage pants, Tactical boots/shoes, subdued socks and the olive drab t-shirt.

If it is a search warrant a long sleeved green raid shirt will be worn, or color designated by Tactical Commanders or designee, along with digital camouflage pants, Tactical boots/shoes, and subdued socks.

If the activation is anything other than above a long sleeved digital camouflage blouse will be worn, along with digital camouflage pants, Tactical boots/shoes, and subdued socks.

The only approved headgear for any function is an appropriate tactical hat, boonie hat or helmet.

Training involving any other function listed above will be addressed on a needed basis.

For any function all operators will be dressed alike.

The “SWAT” uniform pin will be worn in accordance with departmental standards and it will be worn by all SWAT operators that have been on the team at least one (1) year and have attended an approved SWAT school.



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Vehicles

This policy sets forth parameters in which SWAT vehicles are maintained.

Tactical Commanders will assign designated operators from each team the task of operating, maintaining and upkeep of assigned SWAT vehicles.

This will include mechanical issues, gear/equipment issues and cleanliness and operational needs.

Upon notification of the mission from the Tactical Commander, the Team Leader assigned to the operation will assign a qualified Operator to drive the required vehicle. The qualified drivers are identified on the Team roster.

All issues will be addressed to the Tactical Commanders. The Tactical Commanders can waive any and all of these standards if it is the best interest of the team.


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SWAT Training

The Tactical Commanders will set all training dates and topics based upon the needs of the team.

Team Trainings will be held every other calendar week up to 8 hours of training. On occasion, the Tactical Commanders might hold off-date trainings to fill the needs of the Sheriff’s office.

All training will be recorded and assigned to an operator designated by the Tactical Commanders for record storage.

The Tactical Commanders may delegate a senior operator to be the team trainer.

All team training documentation will also be forwarded to the Training Unit.

The Team Leaders will monitor and document all training absences.

At the direction of the tactical commanders operators will attend local, state and national training events and the certification issued, if received, will be turned into Human Resources.

The team also will participate in all Region 5 readiness exercises in support of the RDSTF.

Team trainer Duties:

o Organizing and conducting team training o Efficient records of training o Ammunition accountability o Recognizing training needs of the team and addressing this with Tactical Commanders

Sniper/Observer trainer duties:

o Organizing and conducting sniper/observer training o Rifle/equipment inspections o Rifle records and efficient records of training o Recognizing training needs of the sniper/observer team and addressing this with Tactical

Commanders

Grenadier trainer duties

o Organizing and conducting grenadier training o Launcher/equipment and inspections o Efficient records of training o Recognizing training needs of the grenadier team and addressing this with Tactical Commanders



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SWAT Tactical Commander

SWAT Tactical Commander

Has the direct responsibility for all SWAT Team operations

Assist in the formulation of SWAT operations planning

Ensures planning, research, and training programs are being conducted for SWAT operations

Responsible for budget and staffing of the SWAT Team

Serve as a liaison with other Law Enforcement agencies and departmental divisions


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SWAT Tactical Intelligence Officer

SWAT Tactical Intelligence Officer

The Tactical Intelligence Officer will be selected from team SWAT Operators; this will be done by the Tactical Commanders, upon the receipt of the memorandum of intent from the team member. Traits weighed upon by the selecting authority will be investigative background and tactical operational years of experience. The Tactical Commanders will submit the names to the Sheriff for the final approval.

The Tactical Intelligence Officer responsibilities include but are not solely limited to the following examples;

Provides a direct liaison with Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), thus establishing a direct flow of information to the Tactical team as this information is obtained by CNT on a real time basis. By imbedding themselves into the CNT process it will provide an improvement in the sharing of accurate and time sensitive intelligence.

Provides a direct liaison with all local, state and federal investigative entities that have a direct or indirect influence in a operation involving Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT, thus establishing a direct flow of information to the Tactical team as it is obtained by the local, state and federal investigative entities on a real time basis.

Conduct interviews with any parties associated with a current or planned operation involving Lake County Sheriff’s Office SWAT. Based off of the interviews, give an analysis of any and all factors contributing to the incident or event. This could be family, co-workers, neighbors or any person that might have pertinent information that could aid in the safe resolution to the incident.

Provides a direct liaison with all local, state and federal business entities that have a direct or indirect influence in a operation involving Lake County Sheriff’s SWAT, thus establishing a direct flow of information to the Tactical team as it is obtained by the local, state and federal business entities on a real time basis.


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SWAT Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader

SWAT Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader

Team Leader - A SWAT Operator specially trained in Tactical Leadership and Tactics who is responsible for the operational coordination of deployments and tactical operations involving members directly under his or her command. The Team Leader will be responsible for but not limited too;

Making tactical decisions with regard to selecting routes of advance, points of entry into buildings or structures, and/or for directing target acquisition

Assists the Tactical Commander in the tactical planning process

Ensures containment is complete when squad is assigned as containment/immediate action team on scene

Locates and arranges preparation of rehearsal area when mission planning necessitates it

Ensures that entry-team members are properly equipped for the specific mission

Ensures that all squad equipment is properly cared for and accounted for by holding regular inspections

Acts as scout control, approves all scouting documentation prior to submission to the Tactical Commander for use in tactical planning

Deploys scout teams upon request from the Tactical Commander

Submits training needs to the Tactical Commander for consideration and inclusion in the training plan/schedule

Ensures mission readiness of squad members at all times

Submits equipment and resource needs to the Tactical Commander for consideration Assistant Team Leader – A SWAT Operator assigned to the Team Leader and will assume team responsibility in the absence of the Team Leader.


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SWAT Operator

SWAT Operator

The SWAT operator is the core component of Lake County SWAT, the operator should be:

Mature

Hardworking

Committed

Loyal

Team player

Common sense driven

Makes sound judgments

Trainable

In the career of the operator, he/she will be trained at various times in the following tactical arenas.

Not all operators will be mandated to qualify in all areas; however SWAT operators will be familiarized with all:

- Team Structure - Equipment: Individual and Team - Tactical Philosophy - Safety - Team Activation - Tactical Operations SOP’s - Intelligence Gathering Techniques - Operations Planning - Sniper Operations - Tactical Field Operations - Booby Traps - Weapons Management

- Hand Signals - Verbal Commands and Communications - Clearing Stairs and Stairwells - Chemical Munitions - Gas Mask Care - Flash Noise Diversionary Devices - Impact Munitions - SWAT K9 Operations - Tactical Medic Operations - Armored Vehicle Operations - Rappelling/ Elevated Operations - Current Team Entry Tactics

- Counter Measure Tactics - Hostage Negotiations - Throw Phone Deployment - Tactical Helicopter Operations - Vehicle Assaults - Bus Assaults - Breaching Techniques - Types of Entries - Use of Ballistic Shield - Room Clearing Concepts - Waterborne Operations - Active Shooter Fundamentals


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Sniper/Observer

Sniper/Observer, Criteria & Standards

The Sniper/Observer position represents a critical and sensitive assignment in LCSO SWAT. The Precision riflemen must have a working knowledge of all aspects of the SWAT mission in addition to being skilled in field craft, observation and intelligence gathering and capable of delivering precision fire on selected targets from extended range. The Sniper/Observer is a voluntary position that is filled from the ranks of the team’s operators. Selection is done by the Tactical Commanders, Sniper Team Leader and active team Sniper/observers will then evaluate the applicant.

The Sniper Team Leader will oversee the sniper’s team training, data books and qualification records. Operators selected for this position will receive advanced, continuous training that includes:

Marksmanship principles

Cold bore shots, internal and external ballistics

Position shooting, exertion drills, moving and pop-up targets

Shooting through glass and barriers

Low light and night fire exercises using night vision equipment

Range estimation and target engagement from 25 - 500 yards

Observation and scenario training

Rifle maintenance


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Less than Lethal Operations

Noise/ Flash Diversionary Devices

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide LCSO SWAT with guidelines in the safe and proper use of the NFDD (Noise Flash Diversionary Device). The NFDD is an explosive device that, when properly deployed, produces six (6) to eight (8) seconds of physiological involuntary distraction which prohibits organized resistance.

Policy

NFDD’s are among the most useful tools to law enforcement today. Their continued use and availability is only possible through proper training, justification and deployment. Only team members authorized to deploy devices shall do so. No indiscriminate detonation of a flash/noise device will be permitted. All team members shall be trained in the safe use of flash/noise devices.

Procedures

Special care should be exercised when detonation is likely to be completed in a structure where children or the elderly are present.

Due to the potential fire hazard, operators shall, whenever possible, visually inspect the area of their throw prior to detonation, or use a pole mounted device.

When deploying a NFDD, all personnel should use safety equipment. Safety equipment would include, but is not limited to:

Eye protection

Ear protection

Helmet

Body Armor

Gloves

Ballistic or non-ballistic shield.

Justification

LCSO SWAT operators may deploy a flash/noise device whenever a low-level lethality diversion is necessary to enable an entry to be made or an arrest to be effected.

Barricaded suspect or hostage situation

High risk warrant service

Distracting a subject to allow apprehension or detention

Any situation that has the potential of being a life threatening or violent confrontation.

The Tactical Commanders can waive any and all of these standards if it is the best interest of the team or the tactical situation.


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Chemical Munitions

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to provide LCSO SWAT with guidelines for the proper use of chemical munitions.

Policy

The use of chemical munitions is an effective less lethal tool in subduing armed and dangerous persons, forcing a barricaded subject from a stronghold or dispersing a riotous crowd. It shall be the policy of LCSO SWAT, that operators will only deploy chemical munitions with the authorization of SWAT Command Personnel and in accordance with the proper escalation of force. Operators responsible for the deployment of such munitions shall be trained, tested and certified on an annual basis.

Procedures

LCSO SWAT Command Personnel will have full control of all chemical agents and their use.

LCSO SWAT Command Personnel shall consult with the scene commander on the deployment of chemical munitions.

Evacuation procedures should be followed if innocent people are at risk of being contaminated.

All Deputies involved in the deployment of chemical munitions should be equipped with gas masks and gloves.

Medical personnel should be staged and prepared to render first aid to contaminated suspects, officers and/or civilians.

CN, CS, OC and smoke are the only authorized agents utilized by LCSO SWAT.

Chemical munitions use within a structure:

Deployment of all chemical munitions shall be accomplished in the safest manner possible.

LCSO SWAT Command Personnel, in conjunction with the Lead Grenadier, shall determine what type and amount of chemical munitions to be deployed.

The Lead Grenadier shall keep accurate records in regard to the chemical munitions issued, used and recovered.



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LESS-LETHAL EXTENDED RANGE IMPACT DEVICES

POLICY

Lake County SWAT recognizes that combative, non-compliant, armed and/or violent subjects cause handling and control problems that require special training and equipment. Thus Lake County SWAT has adopted the less-lethal force philosophy to assist in the de-escalation of these potentially violent confrontations.

DEFINITIONS

Less-Lethal Force Philosophy - A concept of planning and force application, which meets operational objectives, with less potential for causing death or serious physical injury than conventional methods.

Kinetic Energy Impact Projectiles - Flexible or non-flexible projectiles, which are intended to incapacitate a subject with a minimal potential for causing death or serious physical injury, when compared to conventional projectiles.

PROCEDURE

This is the potential of the round to cause incapacitation and reduce the subject’s ability to continue their inappropriate behavior. The level of energy necessary to cause incapacitation creates the potential for injury, but when properly deployed, with a low probability for causing serious physical injury of death.

When engaging a target, the operator should evaluate the effectiveness of each round during the volley. Compliance and/or incapacitation are the desired goal, and alternative target areas/response should be considered when rounds are not effective.

Alternative target area/response considerations will be based on the circumstances the officer is encountering and the established department safety priorities.

Deployment Areas

The less-lethal projectiles will be delivered to suspect target areas based on the circumstances, the established safety priorities, and the level of force authorized.

The PR-24 training chart is the recognized model for determining contact areas for kinetic energy impact weapons, based on potential for injury.

Lethal cover should be used in all cases involving any armed and/or dangerous subjects, even if no firearms are involved.

Suspects who are struck by a less-lethal round will evaluated by medical personnel in regards to the injuries sustained.

Photographs of the suspect’s injuries will be taken and forwarded with the report.



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Explosive Entry

Purpose

During the course of operations, tactical officers may be faced with the responsibility of gaining entry into a heavily-barricaded or fortified location. Typical means of forced entry in these situations (i.e., door rams) are rarely effective and may create an extreme hazard for entry personnel. In these instances, the tactical use of shape charges will provide a surgical breech that will provide an immediate access for entry personnel. Explosive entry also provides a distraction through shock and surprise that may prohibit organized resistance toward entry personnel.

Policy

All handling, purchasing, training, and tactical use of breaching charges will be authorized and supervised by a Certified Explosive Breaching Officer, under the direction of LCSO SWAT Command Personnel.

Justification for use

Justification for use of breaching is present when intelligence indicates that measures have been taken by persons to create a barricaded strong hold that would delay or prohibit the entry of law enforcement personnel.

Justification would also be present if, through intelligence, it is learned that the threat level is so great that entry through a non-conventional location would provide a measure of safety and an element of surprise.


Any other use of force not listed used will be conducted in accordance with state statue and departmental policy.


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SWAT Medic

SWAT Medic, Criteria & Standards

SWAT maintains four SWAT Medic positions and requires two SWAT Medics during training and operations. SWAT Medics are of operator status and function in the ancillary capacity of medic as required. SWAT subscribes to the Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC) Guidelines as set forth by the U.S. Department of Defense Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care (CoTCCC). TCCC Guidelines emphasize the requirement for advanced casualty care delivered at the ‘point-of-wounding.’ SWAT Medics integrate and divide casualty care into the tactical environment into three phases:

Care Under Fire

Tactical Field Care; and

Tactical Evacuation (TACEVAC) SWAT Medics serve as the liaison between LCSO units involved in SWAT operations and supporting emergency medical service and fire service units. SWAT Medics provide ‘range medic’ coverage during departmental high-liability In-Service Training (IST) and provide casualty care training and assure competency of the TCCC Guidelines by non-medical operators. SWAT Medics maintain the highest level of casualty care training and are required to possess and maintain [at a minimum] the following active licenses and certifications:

American Safety and Health Institute CPR for Professional Rescuers

National Association of EMT’s Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support - Military Provider Certification

National Association of EMT’s Pre-Hospital Trauma Life Support - Military Provider Instructor Certification

National Association of EMT’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care Provider Certification

National Association of EMT’s Tactical Combat Casualty Care Provider Instructor Certification

State of Florida Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic License

U.S. Army Institute for Professional Development Combat Lifesaver Certification


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Hazardous Materials

Definitions

Hazardous substance means any substance designated or listed under (A) through (D) of this definition, exposure to which results or may result in adverse effects on the health or safety of employees: [A] Any substance defined under section 101(14) of CERCLA; [B] Any biologic agent and other disease causing agent which after release into the environment and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any person, either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, will or may reasonably be anticipated to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutation, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions in reproduction) or physical deformations in such persons or their offspring. [C] Any substance listed by the U.S. Department of Transportation as hazardous materials under 49 CFR 172.101 and appendices; and [D] Hazardous waste as herein defined. Hazardous waste means -- [A] A waste or combination of wastes as defined in 40 CFR 261.3, or [B] Those substances defined as hazardous wastes in 49 CFR 171.8.

SWAT Hazardous Materials Mission Criteria & Standards

All tactical entry operations that have a known or possible known hazardous material as defined by OSHA CFR 29 Standard number 1910.120 will be conducted in accordance with said rule. The structure entry will be staffed with qualified operators that have the following training;

Initial 40 hour training as required in CFR 29

Annual 8 hour refresher training as required in CFR 29

Annual physical as required in CFR 29 Tactical Commanders will designate a team operator as the point of contact and team trainer in regards to the specifics of this section.


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Swat-Version-2011