Policy Text
Policy
407Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/04/07, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentCRITICAL INCIDENT OPERATIONS GROUP
(CIOG) - 1CRITICAL INCIDENT OPERATIONS GROUP
(CIOG)
407.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Critical Incident Operations Group (CIOG) is comprised of two specialized teams: the Crisis
Negotiation Team (CNT) and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT). 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 The Critical Incident Operations Group (CIOG)
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 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.
407.2 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
Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
CRITICAL INCIDENT OPERATIONS GROUP (CIOG)
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/04/07, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentCRITICAL INCIDENT OPERATIONS GROUP
(CIOG) - 2incident 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.
407.2.1 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.
407.2.2 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.
(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.
407.2.3 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 Suggested SWAT
Best Practices. Because such procedures are specific to SWAT members and will outline tactical
and officer safety issues, they are not included within this policy. The operational procedures
should include, at minimum, the following:
(a)Designated personnel responsible for developing an operational or tactical plan prior
to, 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.
Mountain View Police Department
Mountain View PD Policy Manual
CRITICAL INCIDENT OPERATIONS GROUP (CIOG)
Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2021/04/07, All Rights Reserved.
Published with permission by Mountain View Police
DepartmentCRITICAL INCIDENT OPERATIONS GROUP
(CIOG) - 3(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