Policy Text
Policy
404Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/11/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentSpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) - 1Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
404.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is comprised of two specialized teams: the
Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) 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). _
404.1.1 OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
The Policy Manual sections pertaining to the SWAT 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.
404.1.2 SWAT TEAM DEFINED
A SWAT team is a designated unit 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 unit may also be used to serve high-
risk warrants, both search and arrest, where public and officer safety issues warrant the use of
such a unit.
404.1.3 HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION TEAM DEFINED
The Hostage Negotiation Team consists of a predetermined number of specially selected
personnel trained in hostage negotiation techniques. Negotiators may be utilized for incidents,
hostagetaking or other situations where negotiation skills may be useful in resolving the incident.
404.1.4 ORGANIZATIONAL CONFIGURATION
SWAT and the Hostage Negotiation Team are comprised of specially selected sworn personnel
from various units throughout the department. These individuals have other full- time assignments
within the department and function as members of these specialty units as an adjunct duty. Both
SWAT and the Hostage Negotiation Team operate within the Community Policing Bureau.
404.2 SUPERVISION OF SWAT AND HOSTAGE NEGOTIATION TEAM
SWAT Commander
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/11/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentSpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) - 2A lieutenant will be designated as the "SWAT Commander" which will include the command
of the Hostage Negotiation Team. The SWAT Commander is responsible for ensuring that the
operation of both SWAT and the Hostage Negotiation Team remain consistent with the goals of the
department. The SWAT Commander has direct authority over the SWAT and Hostage Negotiation
Team Leaders as well as the other members of both units.
SWAT Supervisors
The SWAT Unit will have one Operational Sergeant and one Administrative Sergeant who will
report directly to the SWAT Commander on all matters regarding the administrative and tactical
functions of the unit. The unit will be divided into two tactical teams. Each team will be supervised
by a sergeant who will be designated as the "Team Leader." "Assistant Team Leaders" will also
be designated to serve in a Team Leader's absence.
Hostage Negotiator Supervisors
Two sergeants will be designated as team leaders.
404.3 POLICY
It shall be the policy of this department to maintain a SWAT team and to provide the equipment,
manpower, 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
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 due to the exigency of the circumstances. The
preservation of innocent human life is paramount.
404.3.1 POLICY CONSIDERATIONS
A 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 SWAT Commander or his/
her designee.
404.3.2 ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES
This department shall develop a separate written set of organizational procedures which should
address, at minimum, the following:
(a)Locally identified specific missions the team is capable of performing.
(b)Team organization and function.
Garden Grove Police Department
Policy Manual
Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2022/11/10, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Garden Grove Police
DepartmentSpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) - 3(c)Personnel selection and retention criteria.
(d)Training and required competencies.
(e)Procedures for