Swat Team
The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team consists of 12 members, including two medics. The SWAT team is used in extraordinary circumstances which include hostage situations, barricaded hostile persons, sniper incidents, VIP protection, drug raids, and dangerous felony arrests where there is reason to believe special weapons or tactics would be needed. The SWAT team was activated on eight occasions in 2007
SWAT members must be KPD officers for two years before applying to the SWAT team. They must have high academic, physical and shooting records to even be considered. Psychological testing, two sixty hours courses and a long probationary period weed out many applicants. All have expert shooting skills and many have years of martial arts training. They respond to six main categories of calls:
- Hostage Situations
- Sniper
- Barricaded subjects - Armed subject(s) barricaded against arrest
- Heavy Arrest - Arrest of multiple armed felons in a fortified location
- Dignitary Protection
- Special Circumstances (Riot suppression, etc.)
The KPD SWAT Team was formed in the fall of 1980.
In addition to their tactical skills, the SWAT Team depend on many different tools and weapons. The primary weapon is the standard KPD issue Glock 45 caliber model 21 handgun. Like most KPD SWAT weapons, these fire hollowpoint bullets that limit the harm to people or property beyond the primary target or point of contact.
Some other weapons include, the Colt CAR15, the civilian version of the military M16, Beretta 9mm sub machine guns, the Ruger AC "mini 14" rifle, Remington 12 guage shotguns and scoped Remington 700P sniper rifles. All of these have special uses depending upon the situation.
Gas guns that shoot a variety of chemical irritants and distraction devices are available for use when armed individuals will not surrender.
A very important supplement to the SWAT team are specially trained members of local EMS units that respond to situation sites along with team.
The Hostage Negotiation Team is separate from the SWAT Team, but works closely with them. Kingsport has two trained negotiators, but is currently working on increasing this number to five because of the importance of having such skills available on short notice.
A good source of training for new teams is available through the
National Tactical Officers Association.
Operational Tactics - SWAT Training
Police SWAT Team Directory
SWAT Unit Resources