Policy Text
Policy
407Fremont Police Department
Special Response Team (SRT)
407.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Special Response Team is comprised of six specialized teams: the, the Special Weapons
and Tactics Team (SWAT), the Sniper/Observer Team, Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT), the
Tactical Dispatch Team (TDT), the Tactical Emergency Medical Support Team (TEMS), and the
Technology/ Tactical Drone Support Team. The unit has been established to provide specialized
support in handling critical field operations where intense negotiations and/or special tactical
deployment methods beyond the capacity of field officers appear to be necessary. This policy
is written to comply with the guidelines established in the Attorney General's Commission on
Special Weapons and Tactics Report (September 2002) and the POST 2005 SWAT Operational
Guidelines and Standardized Training Recommendations (Penal Code § 13514.1).
407.1.1 OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
The Policy Manual sections pertaining to the Special Response Team are divided into
Administrative and Operational Policy and Procedures. Since situations that necessitate the need
for such a police response vary greatly from incident to incident and such events often demand on-
the-scene evaluation, the Operational Policy outlined in this manual section serves as a guideline
to department personnel, allowing for appropriate on-scene decision making as required. The
Administrative Procedures, however, are more restrictive, and few exceptions should be taken.
407.1.2 SRT DEFINED
SRT is a designated group of law enforcement officers that is specifically trained and equipped
to work as a coordinated team to resolve critical incidents that are so hazardous, complex, or
unusual that they may exceed the capabilities of first responders or investigative units, including,
but not limited to, hostage taking, barricaded suspects, snipers, terrorist acts, and other high-risk
incidents. As a matter of department policy, such a team may also be used to serve high-risk
warrants, both search and arrest, when public and officer safety issues warrant its use.
407.2 TEAM STANDARD
SRT will follow best practices as outlined in the National Tactical Officers Association Tactical
Response and Operations Standard.
407.3 POLICY
It shall be the policy of this department to maintain a SWAT team and to provide the equipment,
personnel, and training necessary to maintain a SWAT team. The SWAT team should develop
sufficient resources to perform three basic operational functions:
(a)Command and Control
(b)Containment
(c)Entry/Apprehension/Rescue
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Special Response Team (SRT)
It is understood it is difficult to categorize specific capabilities for critical incidents. Training needs
may vary based on the experience level of the team personnel, team administrators, and potential
incident commanders. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit individual teams from responding to a
situation that exceeds their training levels when the exigency of the circumstances requires it. The
preservation of innocent human life is paramount.
407.3.1 POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
A documented needs assessment should be conducted to determine the type and extent of SWAT
missions and operations appropriate to this department. The assessment should consider the
team's capabilities and limitations and should be reviewed annually by the SRT Commander or
designee. The assessment should include a review of this policy.
407.3.2 ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES
This department shall develop a separate written set of organizational procedures which should
address, at a minimum, the following:
(a)Locally identified specific missions the team is capable of performing.
(b)Team organization and function.
(c)Personnel selection and retention criteria.
(d)Training and required competencies.
(e)Procedures for activation and deployment.
(f)Command and control issues, including a clearly defined command structure.
(g)Multi-agency response.
(h)Out-of-jurisdiction response.
(i)Specialized functions and supporting resources.
407.3.3 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES
This department shall develop a separate written set of operational procedures in accordance with
the determination of their level of capability, using sound risk reduction practices. The operational
procedures should be patterned after the National Tactical Officers Association's suggested
SWAT Best Practices. Because such procedures are specific to SRT members and address
tactical and officer safety issues, they are not included in this policy. The operational procedures
should consist of, at a minimum, the following:
(a)Designated personnel responsible for developing an operational or tactical plan
before, and/or during SWAT operations (time permitting).
1.All SWAT team members should have an understanding of operational planning.
2.SWAT team training should consider planning for both spontaneous and planned
events.
3.SWAT teams should incorporate medical emergency contingency planning as
part of the SWAT operational plan.
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(b)Plans for mission briefings conducted prior to an operation, unless circumstances
require immediate deployment.
1.When possible, briefings should include the specialized units and supporting
resources.
(c)Protocols for a sustained operation should be developed which may include relief,
rotation of personnel and augmentation of resources.
(d)A generic checklist to be worked through prior to initiating a tactical action as a
means of conducting a threat assessment to determine the appropriate response and
resources necessary, including the use of SWAT
(e)The appropriate role for a trained negotiator.