Monday, April 18, 2016 11:33–The National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) and The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) recently concluded a national research study assessing critical trends and issues related to Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team activities in the United States. The NTOA and IACP collected information about law enforcement teams composed of specially selected, trained and equipped personnel who are deployed/activated to resolve high-risk incidents. The goal of the National SWAT Study was to obtain evidence-based statistics on SWAT operations and to inform the field and the public about the true nature of SWAT practices.
The National SWAT Study report reveals survey results on the composition of SWAT teams, protocols, practices, training procedures, community relations, deployment decisions, outcomes and incident reporting. From the data collected, from 2009 through 2013, the most common incident involving the activation of a SWAT team was a high-risk warrant service. In 2013, more than 60 percent of the 254 reporting agencies had their own SWAT team and more than half reported their SWAT team included paramedics. Agencies that activated their SWAT team indicated they were eight times more likely to use less-lethal solutions than lethal force and almost all of the agencies reported that an after-action report is completed after every SWAT deployment.
The data collected from the National SWAT Study has significant value to the law enforcement field and will contribute to a better understanding of the purpose, structure and operations of SWAT practices across the country. To view a copy of the report, visit http://ntoa.org/pdf/swatstudy.pdf
About the International Association of Chiefs of Police: The International Association of Chiefs of Police is the world’s largest association of law enforcement executives. With over 26,000 members in more than 130 countries, the IACP serves as the professional voice of law enforcement. The IACP addresses cutting edge issues confronting law enforcement through advocacy, education, outreach and programs. IACP is a professional organization that supports the law enforcement leaders of today and develops the leaders of tomorrow.
About the National Tactical Officers Association: The mission of the NTOA is to enhance the performance and professional status of law enforcement personnel by providing a credible and proven training resource as well as a forum for the development of tactics and information exchange. The association’s ultimate goal is to improve public safety and domestic security through training, education and tactical excellence. For more information on the National Tactical Officers Association, visit www.ntoa.org or call 800-279-9127. Join the NTOA today and start receiving the benefits of better training and stay on top of the ever-changing and challenging world of law enforcement.