Policy Text
DEFINITIONS:
ENERGETIC BREACH - A technique of employing explosive materials to create an
opening through a door, window, wall, or other barrier to allow access by a tactical
team.
ENERGETIC BREACHER - A current member of the SWAT Team’s Breaching Section
who has been trained in the construction, placement, and initiation of energetic
breaching devices.
ENERGETIC BREACHING DEVICE - A target-specific device constructed with
explosive and non-explosive materials for the purpose of gaining entry into a structure.
BREACHER’S REPORT - A detailed form used to document the use of energetic
breaching charges during training and actual operations.
BREACHER’S BRIEFING - A detailed information exchange from the Energetic
Breacher to the entire SWAT Team with regards to actions necessary before, during,
and after an operational or training energetic breach.
BREACHING SECTION - Members of the Miami Beach Police SWAT Team who have
specialized training in using energetic, mechanical, thermal, and power tool breaching
techniques. These members are responsible for making a fast and effective pathway
into a structure or conveyance for the Entry Team.
MASTER BREACHER - A member of the SWAT Team at the rank of Sergeant, who is
an expert in energetic, mechanical, thermal, and power tool breaching techniques. This
individual will be tasked with overseeing the Breaching Unit and maintaining all
breaching tools in a state of operational readiness and maintaining the Explosive
Material Logs, Access Log, Energetic Breaching Log, Breacher Reports and Breacher’s
AAR, conducting weekly inspections of the explosive material magazines, ordering and
replenishing explosive materials and coordinating training.
SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM (SWAT) - Is not a full-time unit but is
comprised of individuals with various permanent duty assignments who have received
special training and have been assigned duties within the SWAT Team. The Team will
be activated whenever necessary to accomplish the goals of the Department while
attempting to ensure the maximum safety of the citizens served by the Department.
SWAT TEAM LEADERS - Members of the SWAT Team that are designated as the Unit
Team Leaders.
SWAT SITUATION - Any situation, including but not limited to, barricaded subjects,
suicidal subjects, hostage takers, snipers, terrorist activity, hazardous warrant service or
any situation with potential for violent confrontation which cannot be readily or
effectively handled by the on-duty patrol shift.
[17.5.2]
6/15/21; 9/13/22;10/24/24
TACTICAL MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL - Means a paramedic, as defined in F.S.
401.23, a physician, as defined in F.S. 458.305, or an osteopathic physician, as defined
in F.S. 459.003, who is appointed to provide direct support to a tactical law enforcement
unit by providing medical services at high-risk incidents, including, but not limited to,
hostage incidents, narcotics raids, hazardous surveillance, sniper incidents, armed
suicidal persons, barricaded suspects, high-risk felony warrant service, fugitives refusing
to surrender and active shooter incidents. For the purposes of this SOP, tactical
medical professional will be synonymous with SWAT Medic.
PROCEDURE: