Policy Text
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 12/4 /202 4
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_____ _____ ___________________________________
407 - Joint Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) 1 POLICY 407 JOINT SPECIAL WEAPONS AND TACTICS TEAM
(SWAT)
407.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
The Joint Tustin/Irvine SWAT team is comprised of two specialized teams : the Crisis Negotiation
Team and the Special Weapons and Tactics Team. This team was established under an
agreement for joint police services between the City of Tustin and the City of Irvine which was
signed into effect on 6/19/06 and is binding for a period of three years, with an automatic renewal
each year thereafter . The team is governed by established written procedures outlined in the
Irvine Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics Team Operations Manual and the
agreement set forth by the Joint Police Services Agreement.
The Joint Tustin/Irvine SWAT team exists through a Memorandum of Understanding and meets a
level II capability. The Special Weapons and Tactics Team include the Crisis Negotiations Team
made up of members of the Irvine Police Department and the Tustin Police Department and
exists as part of a Memorandum of Understanding.
407.1.1 ACCREDITATION STANDARDS
This section pertains to the following CALEA standards : 22.2.5, 33.6.1 , 33.6.2 , 46.1.4 , 46.2.1 ,
46.2.2 , 46.2.3 , 46.2.4
This section pertains to the following Standard Operating Procedures: Refer to the Irvine Police
Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team Training and Operations Manual.
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.
407.1.3 ADMINISTRATIVE , TRAINING AND OPERATIONAL POLIC IES
The Policy sections pertaining to the SWAT team are divided into Administrative , Training and
Operational polic ies and procedures. The Administrative Procedures, however, are more
restrictive and few exceptions should be taken. These administrative , training, and operational
policies and p rocedures are further described in both the Joint Services Agreement and the
SWAT Operational Manual. 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 serves as a guideline to Department personnel allowing for appropriate on -the-
scene decision -making as required.
CATEGORY DATE ADOPTED LAST REVIEW
1 01/24/2011 12/4 /202 4
TUSTIN POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDERS
_____ _____ ___________________________________
407 - Joint Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) 2 407.2 ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY
407.2.1 ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES
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 upon 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.
407.2.2 LEVEL I CA PABILITY
A Level I SWAT team is a basic team capable of providing containment and intervention with
critical incidents that exceed the training and resources available to line level officers. This does
not include ad hoc teams of officers that are formed around a specific mission, detail or incident
(e.g. active shooter response). Generally, 5% of the basic team’s on -duty time should be devoted
to training.
407.2.3 LEVEL II CA PABILITY
A Level II, Intermediate level SWAT team is capable of providing containment and intervention.
Additionally, these teams possess tactical capabilities above the Level I teams. These teams may
or may not work together on a daily basis, but are intended to respond to incidents as a team. At
least 5% of their on -duty time should be devoted to training with supplemental training for tactical
capabilities above the Level I team.
407.2. 4 CRISIS NEGOTIATION TEAM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES
The Crisis Negotiation Team has been established to provide skilled verbal communicators to de -
escalate and effect surrender in critical situations where suspects have taken hostages,
barricaded themselves, or have suicidal tendencies.
407.2.5 SELECTION OF PERSONNEL ( CNT)
Interested sworn personnel who are off probation shall submit a letter of interest to the
Professional Standards Division, a copy of which will be forwarded to the appropriate