The Management of Police Specialized Tactical Units

Managerial responsibility of a SWAT team requires continuous research in the material area of long-term criminal trends as well as keeping abreast of new developments in relevant tactics, technology, and techniques of law enforcement and the legal issues covering their use. The Management of Police Specialized Tactical Units explains the steps for developing and maintaining a realistic, effective response to increasing levels of violent crime. The book makes extensive use of actual field examples such as the North Hollywood Bank of America Shootout, the Mogadishu Airport Incident, the Springle Street Incident, and the confrontation between police and the Symbionese Liberation Army. Chapter Six discusses the various types and sources of equipment designed to give tactical units more effective technological choices and includes examples of practical application, and the advantages and disadvantages of use. It answers questions of law regarding when and under what circumstances the equipment may be used. Chapter Ten focuses on the partnership needed between law enforcement and the media. The importance of cooperation is stressed to ensure safety of police officers, hostages, news personnel, and bystanders during a hostage situation. Suggestions for establishing trust and credibility are presented. The final chapter explores tactical operations of the future when dealing with increasingly violent encounters with juvenile offenders, the phenomenon of “suicide-by-cop,” and the likelihood of terrorist use of weapons of mass destruction.