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Policy 404Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Policy Manual Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentSpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team - 1Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team 404.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is comprised of four (4) components: four (4) Tactical Elements, the Precision Rifle Operator Team, Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), and Tactical Dispatch. The purpose of the Team is 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 complies with the guidelines established in the Attorney General's Commission on Special Weapons and Tactics Report (September 2002) and the POST revised 2019 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 Team are divided into Administrative and Operational Policy and Procedures. Since situations necessitating the need for such a police response vary greatly from incident to incident and such events often demand on 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 MISSION The mission of the SWAT team is to save lives. The primary focus of SWAT is to provide tactical solutions that increase the likelihood of de-escalation and safe resolution of high-risk incidents. High-risk incidents include, but are not limited to, hostage situations, barricade situations, sniper situations, high-risk apprehension, high-risk warrant service, personal/dignitary protection details, supporting special events, special assignments, civil unrest and acts of terrorism. 404.2 CAPABILITIES/TRAINING SWAT is a team of professional, highly trained, skilled and motivated law enforcement officers who have been specially selected, trained and equipped to respond to and resolve hostage incidents, barricaded gunman incidents, sniper situations, high risk warrant service, personal/ dignitary protection and other special assignments or other emergency situations, which are beyond the capability of other police personnel. Membership on the SWAT Team is a voluntary, ancillary assignment. A minimum of 5% of a SWAT Member's annual on-duty time should be available for training. 404.3 POLICY It is the policy of this Department to maintain a SWAT Team and to provide the equipment, manpower, and training necessary to maintain the Team. The SWAT team should maintain sufficient resources to perform four basic operational functions: (a)Command and Control (b)Containment Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Policy Manual Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentSpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team - 2(c)Entry/Apprehension/Rescue (d)Precision Rifle/Observer It is understood that 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 officers from responding to situations exceeding their training levels due to the exigency of the circumstances. The preservation of 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. (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)Integration with specialized units/functions and supporting resources. 404.3.3 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 Suggested SWAT Best Practices. Because such procedures are specific to SWAT Team 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. Santa Ana Police Department Santa Ana PD Policy Manual Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2023/11/16, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Santa Ana Police DepartmentSpecial Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team - 33.SWAT teams should incorporate medical emergency contingency planning as part of the SWAT operational plan. (b)Plans for mission briefings conducted prior to an operation, unless