Injuries and Deaths During Police Operations: Special Weapons and Training Teams

Abstract

Special weapons and tactics (SWAT) teams are law enforcement units which were developed in response to high-risk situations, for which regular, uniformed police officers are not sufficiently trained. They are highly skilled and specialized organizational units within a police department, depending upon the needs and resources of the community served. Their expertise includes the development of extensive tactics and protocols to enter and secure residences, clear rooms, and deal with barricaded, heavily armed subjects and hostage situations. SWAT team members are educated in and provided with an array of conventional and high-technological weapons designed for a variety of unique situations. An understanding of the organizational structure, training, and weaponry of SWAT teams is necessary for the forensic investigator in order to be able to evaluate injuries or fatalities that occur during events involving SWAT team response.