Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)

Applicant must be Law Enforcement Certified.

Qualifications [46.2.2]

.15 SJSO SWAT members are selected from certified law enforcement deputies from throughout the agency based on certain qualifications.

• Members are subject to call-out at any time, on or off duty.
• Immediate Supervisors of SWAT personnel will make provisions for the covering of positions in which SWAT members need to leave for a call-out or a planned training function.\

.16 In order to provide a well-disciplined and trained team with the capabilities necessary to neutralize an unusual or highly hazardous situation through the deployment of special weapons and tactics, the following factors should be established: [46.2.2]

• Each SWAT member should be provided with the weapons necessary to effectively deliver disciplined, yet balanced firepower to neutralize opposing threats while defending themselves from attack. [46.2.3]
• Each SWAT member should be proficient in the knowledge of each position composing the team. [46.2.1, b]
• Each SWAT element should be a permanent, self-sufficient entity which trains together and responds as a disciplined, flexible team. [46.2.1, b]
• The SWAT team should be composed of sufficient force to accomplish a specific mission, yet small enough to achieve effective infiltration when necessary.
• The SWAT member should be selected on the basis of special skills that could enhance the team’s capabilities. Each member should demonstrate characteristics of initiative, job interest and dedication in the field of law enforcement. [46.2.1, b]
• The SWAT team should be capable of responding to urgent emergency situations with the necessary equipment to immediately deploy for the resolution of the incident. [46.2.1, b][46.2.3]
• The destruction of private or public property by SWAT members will be done solely for the purpose of providing protection of team members or other citizens.
• When the SWAT team is not large enough to accomplish a given objective, the team’s
• philosophy and training lends itself capable of blending with teams from neighboring jurisdictions in order to effectively neutralize the situation.

SWAT Selection [46.2.2]

.17 Membership on the SWAT team is on a voluntary basis. Duties for members are in addition to their regular assignments.

.18 Each candidate:

• Must be a law enforcement deputy.
• Must be able to pass the physical ability test. [46.2.2]

.19 SWAT team members will conduct an oral interview with each candidate for an evaluation of their suitability for the team. During this interview, the qualifications of the candidate will be closely examined and questions relating to them may be asked. The panel may also question the candidate as to his/her motives for wanting to be on the SWAT Team. The oral interview will be documented and included in the selection process. [46.2.2]