My observation is much the same as regards both military background and measures of sociological diversity. I suspect without researching it that SWAT teams are composed largely of people from the military and that their current employers take advantage of that background to skimp on situational training. As with most skills, even those …
My observation is much the same as regards both military background and measures of sociological diversity. I suspect without researching it that SWAT teams are composed largely of people from the military and that their current employers take advantage of that background to skimp on situational training. As with most skills, even those required by Special Operators need to be refreshed from time to time and, if it isn't, situations like yesterday's can result.
On a separate but related topic, I think the public image of SWAT teams and special operators is based too much on Tom Clancy's books and TV shows like NCIS and Hawai'i 5O. Most of the officers I've met are quite good and very serious but they aren't magicians and the good ones know it. If the rest of us understood that better our expectations might change there might be more support for training and alternative strategies.
I was active with SWAT as a negotiator for about 18 years. I know the commitment and expertise of those that I served with. Alternative strategies is a really good place to start.
My observation is much the same as regards both military background and measures of sociological diversity. I suspect without researching it that SWAT teams are composed largely of people from the military and that their current employers take advantage of that background to skimp on situational training. As with most skills, even those required by Special Operators need to be refreshed from time to time and, if it isn't, situations like yesterday's can result.
On a separate but related topic, I think the public image of SWAT teams and special operators is based too much on Tom Clancy's books and TV shows like NCIS and Hawai'i 5O. Most of the officers I've met are quite good and very serious but they aren't magicians and the good ones know it. If the rest of us understood that better our expectations might change there might be more support for training and alternative strategies.
I was active with SWAT as a negotiator for about 18 years. I know the commitment and expertise of those that I served with. Alternative strategies is a really good place to start.