cape may county associationn standard operating … · the cape may county regional swat team shall...

CCAAPPEE MMAAYY CCOOUUNNTTYY AASSSSOOCCIIAATTIIOONN Standard Operating Procedure No. 58 OOFF CCHHIIEEFFSS OOFF PPOOLLIICCEE Effective Date: Immediately # Pages: 19 SUBJECT: Reviewed Revised Page# Approved

Cape May County Regional Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team AMENDS: Cape May County Regional Special Weapons And Tactics Team, dated October 17th, 2013. REFERENCES: Attachment A: Request For Tactical Assistance

Attachment B: OneCallNow Procedures Adopted on this _____ day of __________________, 2014 by:

Association President: _____________________________________

Chief Thomas J. D’Intino, Sea Isle City P.D. County Prosecutor: _____________________________________ County Prosecutor Robert L. Taylor

I. PURPOSE Critical incidents present dangerous situations to all those affected; including responding police. Because each

situation is different, it is important to recognize that the presence of a highly trained, skilled and well-equipped tactical presence, in these situations, has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to citizens, police and suspects. Therefore, it is the purpose of this policy to recognize that a well researched plan, adequate resources and qualified command and leadership of “team” management, will assist responding law enforcement officers in resolving the matter in the safest and most effective manner possible. The purpose of this policy is to establish the governing regulation in the selection, training, equipping, management and the use of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team.

II. POLICY All law enforcement agencies in Cape May County shall utilize the Cape May County Regional Special

Weapons and Tactics Team; hereafter, referred to as Regional SWAT as the primary tactical reactionary response to all critical incidents that occur in jurisdictions within Cape May County, with the exception of Upper Township, Dennis Township and Woodbine Borough, who will utilize New Jersey State Police TEAMS. Regional SWAT may be called upon to assist TEAMS in those areas, and TEAMS may be called upon to assist Regional SWAT elsewhere.

Regional SWAT will respond to critical incidents and will execute approved Court Orders, upon request, under

the authority of the County Prosecutor, as the chief law enforcement officer in Cape May County. Regional SWAT, under the command and leadership of the Incident Command Group, will safely and effectively manage Regional SWAT, Tactical K-9, Tactical ROBOT, Armored Vehicle, Tactical Command Vehicle, Hostage Negotiations and any other elements assisting Regional SWAT with a safe and expeditious resolution. The Prosecutor is responsible for the management of the Regional SWAT team, its funding, its training requirements, its resource requirements, its documentation, and its policies and procedures.

Cape May County Regional SWAT 2

III. MISSION By their nature, tactical operations are hazardous situations, requiring the successful management and resolution of an emergency incident through qualified decision making by law enforcement leaders working in a team-concept to accomplish the mission at hand. Therefore, Regional SWAT will attempt to use tactics, resources, skills and contingency planning to have options in place to achieve a successful resolution of any incident. The mission of the Regional SWAT Team is to support the law enforcement agencies of Cape May County with a highly trained, skilled and well-equipped tactical response to critical incidents, and preplanned operations to execute risk-based Court Orders, special operations and special assignments efficiently and with enhanced safety and security of all those involved.

A. CRITICAL INCIDENTS SUBJECT TO EMERGENCY ACTIVATION OF REGIONAL SWAT:

1. Barricaded Person – The standoff created by an armed or potentially armed suspect in any location, whether fortified or not, who is refusing to comply with police demands for surrender.

2. Hostage – The act of holding any person against their will by an armed or potentially armed suspect.

3. Active Shooter / Sniper – Firing a weapon at citizens and/or law enforcement officers by a suspect, whether stationary or mobile.

4. Acts of Terrorism – Acts of violence or threatened violence committed either by a group or an

individual intended to intimidate a population or government.

5. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosive (CRBNE): CBRNE related incident based upon a level of threat and/or need for special expertise.

B. EMERGENCY ACTIVATION PROCEEDURE: The Chief of Police, and/or designee, upon notification of the active occurrence of any (but not limited to)

Critical Incident listed above, shall immediately notify the Regional SWAT Commanders for a request for an emergency activation of SWAT. The OIC must relay all known situational reports to a Regional SWAT Commander, and must provide the OIC’s contact information for response coordination. Besides direct contact or direct communications, Regional SWAT Commanders may be contacted in the following order:

1. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION

a. Primary notification is through the Wildwood Police Department’s Dispatch Center by calling 609-522-0222, and requesting an emergency call-back by a Regional SWAT Commander.

b. Secondary notification may be made through the Cape May County Office of Emergency

Management(OEM) by calling 609-465-3011, and requesting an emergency call-back by a Regional SWAT Commander.

c. With the exception of barricaded persons or warrant execution operations, during an emergency;

such as an Active Shooter, an agency representative may broadcast over the County Band or SPEN-1 radio band for the request for SWAT operators to expedite a response. Radio broadcast requests do not replace the primary and secondary notifications, and are intended to reach on-duty SWAT operators. The radio broadcast shall provide threat details and the incident location to aid the response.

2. Regional SWAT Commanders will assess the report and determine the best course of action and

response to mitigate the incident. a. Regional SWAT Commanders and members of the Incident Command Group reserve the right to

deny an emergency request based on emergency criteria established.


C. OPERATIONS SUBJECT TO THE PLANNED ACTIVATION OF REGIONAL SWAT:

1. Court Ordered Search/Arrest Warrant Operations – Entry into a location where a suspect(s) is believed to be armed, who may resort to the use of weapons when confronted by police, is suspected to be armed and/or dangerous with a history of violence or weapons offenses, risk of evidence destruction, or which may be hazardous or impeded because of warning systems, reinforced doors or other impediments.

2. Special Tactical Operations (STO) – Preplanned operations where a tactical force may be requested by a Law Enforcement Incident Commander, or designee, to assist a jurisdiction or agency with a specific assignment, during a predetermined time frame. During an STO, Regional SWAT Operators may be required to operate in a covert or overt function, while prepared to respond and address any critical incidents that arise for the specific event operation. The Tactical Operation Commander will coordinate with the Law Enforcement Incident Commander(LEIC) regarding assignments, communications, uniform, visibility and other logistical concerns. Special Tactical Operations require a Threat Assessment and Operations Plan to determine potential risk, and to clarify exactly the role and needs requirements of the assisting Operators assigned. Unlike an emergency response, the assignment to a Special Tactical Operation is voluntary, with prior Agency approval. An example of an STO may include a mass-gathering event with a high threat risk.

3. Personal Protection Operations – The security of special persons; such as, VIP’s, public officials,

dignitaries, witnesses or suspects, based on threat or potential threat to the well-being of those persons.

4. Public Relations Details – Events where SWAT equipment and demonstrations are showcased to

the public for view to instill safety and security amongst citizens, making them aware of the services and protection the officers and Regional SWAT provides.

D. NON-EMERGENCY ACTIVATION OF REGIONAL SWAT PROCEEDURE: In regards to non-emergent activation assistance requests of the Regional SWAT, any case agent, supervisor or law enforcement administrator, with the approval of the Chief of Police and/or designee, may request the assistance of the Regional SWAT in the following order, via: 1. Submission of a Request For Tactical Assistance (RFTA) form, provided directly to any of the

Regional SWAT Commanders, or designees. a. Request For Tactical Assistance (RFTA) forms are available from the Regional SWAT

Commanders, or downloadable at http://www.cmcpros.net/police, under “FORMS.” b. A Request For Tactical Assistance (RFTA) form is attached to this policy, See Attachment A. c. RFTA Form must be submitted to the SWAT Commander, or designee, at a minimum of forty-

eight (48) hours notice prior to the planned operation.

2. Requestor must be available to the Regional SWAT Commanders to address any issues or concerns raised in planning for the safety and security of the pending operation.

a. The Requestor may be required to submit and Operations Plan, upon request.

3. For Public Relations Details, and requests for appearances of the SWAT Team in non-emergency roles; such as, Community Days, School Demonstrations, etc..., then a Request For Tactical Assistance form shall be forwarded to the Prosecutor’s Office SWAT Team Coordinator or any Regional SWAT Commander for review and approval.


IV. REGIONAL SWAT COMMAND AND CONTROL STRUCTURE The Cape May County Regional SWAT Team shall consist of the following designations, responsibilities, and assignments, within the Incident Command System(ICS), for its groups, services and personnel.

A. A D M I N I S R A T I O N S E C T I O N 1. REGIONAL SWAT ADVISORY STEERING COMMITTEE: The County Prosecutor and Cape May

County Association of Chiefs of Police have established a Swat Team Advisory Steering Committee. a. The committee shall consist of six(6) members;

(1) Chief of Police, Cape May County, New Jersey (2) Chief of Police, Cape May County, New Jersey (3) Chief of Police, Cape May County, New Jersey (4) Chief of Police, Cape May County, New Jersey (5) A member of the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office (6) The Cape May County Regional SWAT Commander

b. The members of the committee shall serve for a minimum term of one(1) year. c. The committee shall be responsible for formulating and recommending eligibility and training

procedures for the SWAT Team. d. The committee will be responsible for appointing a committee chair, all long-term planning,

SWAT policies, standard operating procedure, equipment, capital planning and budget decisions.

e. The committee shall have final review and approval of all personnel, training and equipment. f. Any decisions made by the committee must be by simple majority with at least four(4) members

present which shall be a quorum. All decisions made by the committee are subject to review and approval by the County Prosecutor.

g. The committee shall meet at least three(3) times per year.

2. INCIDENT COMMAND GROUP (ICG): Shall have overall command of the incident. The Incident Command Group shall comply with the organizational principles of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) using the Incident Command System (ICS) model of crisis and consequence management, as well as comply with Cape May County Chiefs of Police SOP No.50, Critical Incident Response Plan. a. The Incident Command Group (ICG) shall consist of:

(1) Cape May County Prosecutor, or designee. (2) Chief of County Detectives, or designee. (3) Jurisdiction’s Chief of Police, or designee. (4) Tactical Team Commander, or designee.

b. If a dispute arises among the members of the Incident Command Group, the County Prosecutor, or designee, shall have final decision-making authority.

c. CHAIN-OF-COMMAND: The Incident Command Group(ICG) and the Incident Commander(IC),

shall command the critical incident. (1) The Tactical Team Commander, or designee, reports directly to the IC. (2) The Tactical Team Commander is responsible for the deployment of the Regional SWAT

Team, tactical decision-making and incident tactical resolution. (3) The Tactical Team Commander is subordinate to the Incident Commander and Incident

Command Group, concerning operational decisions. (4) Implementation of tactical options once authorized by the ICG shall remain the

responsibility of the Tactical Team Commander. (5) The Tactical Team Commander, Negotiations Commander, Investigative Commander and

Logistics Coordinator are all subordinate to the ICG and the IC.


B. P L A N N I N G S E C T I O N

1. REGIONAL SWAT COMMANDERS GROUP: a. SWAT Commanders Group will meet on the first Thursday of every month. b. SWAT Commanders Group will discuss monthly management of the Regional SWAT in

accordance with recommendations from the Advisory Steering Committee. c. The following active members of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team comprise its

Commander’s Group. (1) Tactical Team Commander (2) Assistant Tactical Team Commanders (3) Tactical Team Division Commanders (4) Prosecutor’s Office SWAT Team Coordinator (5) Prosecutor’s Office Logistics Coordinator

2. REGIONAL SWAT TRAINING COMMITTEE:

a. SWAT Training Committee will meet on the first Thursday of every month. b. SWAT Training Committee will discuss training issues and requirements. c. SWAT Training Committee will maintain training records on SWAT members. d. The following members comprise the training committee.

(1) Tactical Team Commander (2) Assistant Tactical Team Commanders (3) Tactical Team Division Commanders (4) Prosecutor’s Office SWAT Team Coordinator (5) Prosecutor’s Office Logistics Coordinator

C. L O G I S T I C S S E C T I O N

1. PROSECUTOR’S SWAT TEAM COORDINATOR: Shall be a designee of the Prosecutor’s Chief of County Detectives, appointed by the County Prosecutor, holding the rank of Sergeant or above. The SWAT Team Coordinator is responsible for: a. Maintenance of all records pertaining to the Team; including, but not limited to training, medical,

physical, personnel, firearms, after action reports, and any other type of record or report that is generated in regards to Regional SWAT.

b. Monitoring of monthly training curriculum and exercises. c. Facilitation of all equipment procurement and maintenance purchases for SWAT. d. Coordination of all specialized training enrollments and programs. e. Development and maintenance of policies and procedures. f. Command Post maintenance and readiness. g. Coordination of SWAT Commander meetings. h. Direct liaison of the County Prosecutor to the Tactical Team Commander when Team is not

actively deployed in an emergent assignment. i. During a critical incident, will act as a direct liaison to the Incident Command Group, ensuring

the arrival and management of the Mobile Command Post and other equipment, as well as leadership of the Prosecutor’s Rapid Response element.

j. Will conduct incident and operational debriefings and critiques for reporting to the Prosecutor and the Swat Team Advisory Steering Committee.

2. PROSECUTOR’S LOGISTICS COORDINATOR: Is a designee of the Prosecutor’s SWAT Team

Coordinator and shall have responsibility for procurement, maintenance, and transportation of materials, facilities and support personnel, as directed by the Incident Commander. a. During a critical incident, the Logistics Coordinator, or designee, will lead the Logistics Branch

of the Incident Command System to assist with the event.


3. SWAT TRAINING COORDINATOR AND FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR COORDINATOR: a. Shall report directly to the Regional SWAT Team Commanders. b. Shall supervise all firearms training activities and record keeping. c. Shall be responsible for qualifying and training all Regional SWAT personnel in firearms

proficiency. d. Shall ensure that those officers designated as SWAT snipers train and qualify on a regular

basis. e. Shall maintain and submit all records and related reports, as directed by the Regional SWAT

Team Commanders. f. Shall maintain a current inventory of all supplies of ammunition, equipment and chemical

agents, as well as provide for the regular maintenance and care of those weapons assigned to the unit, and will provide an accounting of all ammunition expenditures.

g. Shall be responsible for the maintenance and care of all weapons that have been assigned to the Tactical Group.

D. O P E R A T I O N S S E C T I O N

1. R E G I O N A L S W A T:

a. REGIONAL SWAT TEAM ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Regional SWAT has been divided geographically, between two(2) divisions. (1) The Mainland Division is responsible for Cape May, Lower Township, Middle Township,

and Ocean City. (2) The Island Division is responsible for Wildwood Crest, Wildwood, North Wildwood, West

Wildwood, Stone Harbor, Avalon, and Sea Isle City. (3) Operators assigned to either Division, Mainland or Island, may be utilized where needed. (4) Additional assets include:

Members of the EMS Task Force as Tactical Emergency Medical Specialists. Officers with the Cape May County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit. Detectives with the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office ROBOT/Electronic

Surveillance Unit, Rapid Response Unit and Armored Vehicle Operations.

2. REGIONAL SWAT COMMAND AND CONTROL:

a. TACTICAL OPERATIONS COMMANDER: The Tactical Operations Commander is the officer in charge of Regional SWAT operations at a specific event, incident or operation. The Tactical Operations Commander, or designee, shall act as the liaison between the Incident Command Group and Regional SWAT. For ICS purposes, the Tactical Operations Commander may or may not be the Tactical Team Commander.

(1) The Tactical Operations Commander shall have command for the deployment of Regional

SWAT, tactical decision-making and tactical resolution, when authorized by the Incident Command Group.

(2) Nothing contained herein shall prohibit any member of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team from utilizing force or deadly force provided in Chapter 18 of the New Jersey Law Enforcement Guidelines (7/95) on the Use of Force, as revised June 2000.

(3) Additionally, nothing herein shall prohibit initial deployment of tactical personnel by the Tactical Operations Commander (inner perimeter, scouting, sniper/observer positioning, etc.) pending the Incident Commander assuming command.


b. TACTICAL TEAM COMMANDER: Commands Regional SWAT.

c. ASSISTANT TACTICAL TEAM COMMANDER: Assists the Tactical Team Commander with command of Regional SWAT.

d. TACTICAL TEAM DIVISION COMMANDER: Commands a Division of the Regional SWAT Team, either the Island Division or the Mainland Division.

e. TACTICAL TEAM LEADER: Commands one of two Teams, within a Division of the Regional SWAT Team, either the Alpha Team or the Bravo Team.

f. TACTICAL TEAM ASSISTANT LEADER: Assists with command of a Team within a Division of the Regional SWAT Team.

g. SNIPER TEAM LEADER: Commands the SNIPER element of Regional SWAT.

h. TACTICAL TEAM OPERATOR: Sworn officer within a Cape May County law enforcement agency, appointed by their agency Chief, or designee, assigned to Team, within a Division of the Regional SWAT Team.

i. TACTICAL EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATOR: Qualified member of the EMS Task Force with Tactical Emergency Medical Specialization (TEMS) qualifications, assigned to work with SWAT Operators for immediate, on-scene medical aide within the various zones of the operation.

j. TECHNICAL SUPPORT TEAM OPERATOR: Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office Technical Support Team/ROBOT/Electronic Surveillance Unit, operate under the direction of the Tactical Operations Commander during an incident.

k. ARMORED VEHICLE OPERATOR: Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office personnel assigned to operate the Armored Vehicle during active operations, will take direction from the Tactical Operations Commander, or designee.


3. OPERATIONS TACTICAL SUPPORT ELEMENTS:

a. LAW ENFORCEMENT INCIDENT COMMANDER (LEIC): A representative of a local law enforcement agency experiencing a critical incident, or during Special Tactical Operations within their jurisdiction. The LEIC will work closely to assist the Incident Commanders Group during active operations as a representative of the jurisdiction’s Chief of Police.

b. INVESTIGATIVE COMMANDER: The Prosecutor’s Office Chief of County Detectives, or designee; and/or the jurisdiction’s Chief of Police, or designee, shall command and oversee the criminal investigation and shall assign personnel to ensure that all investigative responsibilities are accomplished.

c. NEGOTIATIONS OPERATIONS COMMANDER: Shall coordinate the response and activities

of certified Crisis/Hostage Negotiators during an operation, with the Incident Command Group and the Tactical Operations Commander. Negotiations Commander shall have the responsibility for advising the ICG of all communications between suspects and members of the Critical Incident Negotiations Team.

d. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES OPERATIONS COMMANDER: Shall coordinate the

response, qualifications, assignment and management of active Emergency Medical Technicians assigned to assist the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team. The Emergency Medical Services Operations Commander will have the responsibility of direct coordination with the Incident Command Group on medical services needs during an active operation.

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Assistant Tactical Team Commander

Sheriff’s K9 Commander

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Tactical EMS (TEMS) Operators

SNIPER ELEMENT


e. NEW JERSEY STATE POLICE TACTICAL EMEGENCY AND MISSION SPECIALIST (TEAMS) UNIT: New Jersey State Police TEAMS shall serve as the primary back-up tactical team to the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team. (1) If TEAMS responds to a critical incident in Cape May County in a support or augmentation

role, they do so under the authority and direction of the County Prosecutor. (2) In the event TEAMS is deployed in a primary and or tactical role separate from the

Regional SWAT, a member of TEAMS shall be included in the Incident Command Group. Said member is in command of TEAMS and will provide the orders and commands to his/her unit.

(3) A member of the Incident Command Group shall review emergent requests for assistance from the New Jersey State Police TEAMS Unit.

(4) Regarding requests from TEAMS to assist in pre-planned, non-emergent operations, a New Jersey State Police TEAMS representative shall follow the non emergency activation procedure outlined above.

f. ATLANTIC COUNTY SWAT TEAM (ACSWAT): The Atlantic County SWAT Team; formerly,

Atlantic County Emergency Response Team, shall serve as the secondary back-up tactical team. (1) If ACSWAT responds to a critical incident in Cape May County, they do so under the

authority and direction of the Cape May County Prosecutor. (2) In the event ACSWAT is deployed in a primary and or tactical role separate from the

Regional SWAT, a member of ACSWAT shall be included in the Incident Command Group. Said member is in command of ACSWAT and will provide the orders and commands to his/her unit.

(3) A member of the Incident Command Group shall review emergent requests for assistance from the ACSWAT Unit.

(4) Regarding requests from ACSWAT to assist in pre-planned, non-emergent operations, a ACSWAT representative shall follow the non emergency activation procedures.

V. SWAT MISSION SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

A. MISSION PLANNING: The County Prosecutor and Cape May County Association of Chiefs of Police have established a Swat Team Advisory Steering 1. The Regional SWAT Commanders will utilize all available resources and tactics to afford them the

best advantage and mission vision for the safety and security of all those involved in the operation. 2. In pre-planned operations, SWAT Commanders require forty-eight (48) hour notice through the

Request For Tactical Assistance form, and if requested, an Operations Plan. 3. The Regional SWAT Team will utilize a written planning process for all operations that are proactive

or anticipatory in nature, such as raids. The written process will include a format that will document how the operation is to be conducted, command/control/communication, and support required.

4. The SWAT Team Commander will cause a log of events to be recorded on all SWAT operations, and will also cause all planning or decision-making documents to be recorded; these documents will be stored maintained in a file for ten (10) years.

5. All operations plans will be stored and maintained in a file for ten (10) years.

B. POST OPERATIONAL ANALYSIS / AFTER-ACTION REPORT 1. The Incident Command Group and Prosecutor’s SWAT Team Coordinator shall schedule a post-

operational analysis meeting where the critical incident was considered emergent within ten (10) days of the activation of Regional SWAT in response to a critical incident. The analysis prepared by the Incident Commander shall be in written form and submitted to the Cape May County Prosecutor within (30) days of the critical incident. For good cause, the Prosecutor may grant an extension for the filing of the analysis, said extension not to exceed an additional (30) days.


2. The written analysis shall address each phase of the critical incident including but not limited to: a. Notification Process. b. The timeliness of the on-scene arrival of the team. c. Performance of the Incident Command Group and Incident Commander, the Tactical

Operations Commander, Regional SWAT Team members, Investigative Commander, Negotiations Coordinator, Local Police Departments, Prosecutor’s Office and Emergency Management.

d. Breakdowns in the established chain of command and control as defined above. e. Relations with the media. f. Recommendations for additional training and/or equipment.

3. The Regional SWAT team shall conduct formal and documented After Action Reports (AARs) of all

police special operations and all team training events. The team shall maintain copies of AAR documents for a period of ten (10) years and shall utilize the documents to assist in guiding the training program.

4. The Regional SWAT team shall produce an annual report that specifies the training, operations and other appropriate information as directed by the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office.

VI. RESPONSIBILITIES AT CRITICAL INCIDENTS Patrol personnel, who are typically the first officers on the scene of a critical incident, shall be well integrated with the active operation, as well as ingrained with the philosophy and policy of restraint and containment as established in existing protocols in place. Using time as an advantage affords for better tactical planning and strategies. Nothing in this policy shall negate an officer’s responsibilities for protecting themselves, or others from bodily harm. Therefore, the success of any critical incident plan hinges on a team approach, good communications and tactical coordination of personnel and resources.

A. MUNICIPAL POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS:

a. First officer upon arrival must assume the role of Incident Commander and assess, verify and report:

(1) Verify/Report the Type of Incident and dangers to responding personnel. (2) Verify/Report the Location of the Incident. (3) Report available suspect information. (4) Report available weapons information. (5) Report available Hostage or Victim information. (6) Report the location of a safe temporary, initial command post location to be established.

b. Render aide, if possible. c. Establish an initial clear communications means for the incident coordination. d. Establish a perimeter and contain the suspect to the extent possible. Confine any suspect(s) to

an area that is consistent with the officer’s safety and abilities. e. If safe to do so, and with coordination with the Incident Commander, begin to evacuate

victims/witnesses in jeopardy. f. If the critical incident involves an active shooter follow Chiefs of Police policy #56, Active

Shooter Response.

2. OFFICER IN CHARGE / INITIAL INCIDENT COMMANDER: a. OIC/Supervisor must respond to a safe location near the scene and establish an Incident

Commander to direct resources and operations. b. Request mutual aide. Request an emergency activation of Regional SWAT. c. Establish communications. d. Establish a documentation system for incident information, objectives and personnel

accountability. e. Brief responding personnel and direct to a safe rally/staging point.


f. Ensure the establishment of an outer perimeter and maintain it. Ensure pedestrian and civilian vehicle in the area is halted.

g. Ensure the containment of victims/witnesses and their field interviews for intelligence and situational awareness.

h. Recommend a location to use as command post and/or a location where the Mobile Command Post can be set up.

i. Assign a Law Enforcement Liaison to assist the Incident Command Group. j. Forward all requests from the media to the Incident Command Group.

3. DISPATCHER

a. Receive the report and broadcast details learned to units responding to the incident. b. Alert Agency Command and call for additional departmental resources. c. Will document incident details and personnel accountability. d. Will keep radio transmissions for the incident separate from other emergency communications

occurring, as per departmental protocols for the use of other frequencies, etc… e. Request an emergency activation of Regional SWAT. f. Assist the Incident Commander with establishing and maintaining communications.

g. Assist the Incident Commander with information relayed from on-scene officers, witness reports and other sources of information.

h. Request assistance from the Cape May County Office of Emergency Management with 9-1-1 calls.

i. Forward all requests from the media to the Incident Command Group.

B. REGIONAL SWAT TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES: 1. REGIONAL SWAT COMMANDERS

a. Receive the request for emergency call-out and effectively use the Emergency Call Out System to alert, coordinate and deploy responding Regional SWAT personnel.

b. SWAT Commanders should establish the Tactical Operations Commander as the Incident Commander, until establishment of the Incident Command Group.

c. SWAT Command shall support, establish and/or enhance a secured inner perimeter with access limited to tactical team until situation dictates otherwise.

d. Establish and support a Field Operations Center or Mobile Command Post. e. When directed by the Incident Commander implements a tactical plan under the supervision of

the Tactical Team Commander.

2. SWAT OPERATORS a. Upon notification, will obtain their own directions to the SWAT staging area/rally point. b. Operator will immediately notify their agency’s Dispatch Center of their response. c. Arrive safely at a predetermined rally point with essential equipment and communications. d. If under the influence of alcohol or taking prescription medication that has an adverse affect of

their abilities to perform, then the member may not respond or participate in the incident’s operation in any role. If a member is listed on Light or Limited Duty status, the member may respond and assist with Command Post operations and support assignments there.

e. Check in and deploy into the scene. Support needs of the Incident Commander.

(1) If first initial officer on-scene, assume the role of the Incident Commander and when practical, relinquish duties to a commander before resuming normal SWAT responsibilities.

(2) If first SWAT member on-scene, assume the role of SWAT Commander/SWAT Incident Commander until active SWAT Team Leaders or Commanders arrive to take command. SWAT Commanders/SWAT Incident Commander shall,

i. Meet with the Incident Commander and/or Law Enforcement Incident Commander for a detailed, initial incident briefing.


ii. Direct responding SWAT personnel to an off-site rally point or SWAT staging area, separate from the Command Post to allow for operational integrity and efficient information delivery.

iii. Brief SWAT personnel on incident details. iv. Deploy a quick reactionary team in coordination with the Incident Commander.

f. Gather tactical intelligence/information. g. Support, enhance or compress outer and inner perimeter operations.

C. PROSECUTOR’S OFFICE PERSONNEL, Task Specific based upon need 1. RAPID RESPONSE

a. RAPID RESPONSE personnel shall respond as an initial contact element or support of suspect/victim/witness containment and perimeter operations.

b. Gather intelligence. c. Coordinate responding resources. Support the Incident Command Group.

2. COMMANDERS

a. Supervisors shall respond to establish the Incident Command Group and shall request the deployment of the Mobile Command Post and any other technical skills, personnel, services or equipment to aid the incident operation.

b. Coordinate responding resources. Support the Incident Command Group. c. Establish or enhance communications and situational awareness. d. Gather intelligence. e. Act as liaison with local media. f. Prepare and promulgate press releases, which shall be approved by the County Prosecutor or

designee prior to dissemination.

3. MOBILE COMMAND UNIT a. Respond to a pre-determined site and safely and efficiently establish the Command Post

operations. b. Ensure all electronics are functioning. c. Establish communications.

4. ROBOT UNIT

a. Respond and report to the Tactical Operations Commander(TOC), or designee. b. Ensure all equipment is working properly, at the direction of the TOC.

5. ARMORED VEHICLE UNIT

a. Respond and report to the Tactical Operations Commander, or designee.

6. INVESTIGATORS a. Interview witnesses, victims, and on-scene municipal police. b. Coordinate investigative efforts wherein the critical incident occurs. c. Provide information to and act as liaison with Incident Command Group. d. Provide post-operations investigation as directed by the County Prosecutor. e. Assist in the preparation of all warrants.

7. ASSISTANT PROSECUTORS

a. Provide on-scene legal advice, consulting on legal issues regarding a criminal and civil focus and will act as a liaison between Judges, Federal Prosecutors, Defense Attorneys or any other member of the legal profession with an interest.


D. EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TASK FORCE a. Assess the incident and request the necessary resources to address medical needs. b. Liaison with the Incident Command Group c. Coordinate medical transport with regional medical centers. d. Coordinate MediVac Landing Zones e. Assist in operational support services.

VII. DEADLY FORCE INCIDENTS

A. SWAT Personnel Involved in the Use of Deadly Force during an active SWAT Operation

1. DEADLY FORCE INCIDENT: In the event Deadly Force is used by Regional SWAT, or any use of force, which results in death or serious bodily injury, or where injury results from use of a firearm by a member of Regional SWAT, the New Jersey Attorney Generals Office Shooting Response Team must be notified and will conduct the investigation as outlined by Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive 2000-1.

2. POST SHOOTING / TRAUMATIC EVENT PROCEEDURE: If the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team or a member of the Team thereof is involved in a shooting incident or an incident deemed traumatic, Cape May County Prosecutors Office Standard Operating Procedure No.G57, Post Shooting/Traumatic Events, shall be followed. a. Regional SWAT team members shall be placed on inactive status until medically cleared for

duty by the department-designed specialist. b. The team member’s Chief of Police or designee shall be responsible for insuring compliance

with the procedure. c. The team member’s Chief of Police or designee shall also communicate with the Regional

SWAT Coordinator and provide regular update’s regarding a Regional SWAT team member’s care.

d. At a minimum, the Regional SWAT coordinator and the team member’s Chief of Police shall communicate at six(6) month and twelve(12) month intervals regarding team member’s condition.

e. No Regional SWAT team member shall be cleared for active duty following a traumatic event unless in compliance with Post Shooting/Traumatic Events procedure.

VIII. REGIONAL SWAT TEAM MEMBERSHIP STANDARDS AND CRITERIA

A. GENERAL CRITERIA 1. Volunteer for assignment to Regional SWAT through their Chief of Police. 2. Have a minimum of three(3) years experience as a full time Police Officer unless recommended by

the officer’s chief. 3. Be in excellent physical condition and pass a physical agility test with a score of 70%. 4. Good eyesight. 5. Keen alertness and intelligence. 6. Is willing to submit to a psychological examination and the results made known to the applicants

Chief, and the Regional SWAT Advisory Board. 7. Ability to follow orders and respond appropriately under pressure. 8. Neatness (this shows pride and attention to detail). 9. Highly proficient with weapons (scoring consistently above 90% with handgun). 10. Undergo a one(1) year probationary period with the SWAT Team, where performance is evaluated

by Commanders, Team Leaders and peers. 11. Fill out an application form. 12. Emergency response, an officer must be willing to respond on a twenty-four (24) hour basis upon

activation of Regional SWAT.


B. APPLICATION PROCESS 1. Officers apply for assignment to the tactical group or negotiating group by first sending a request for

assignment to their Chief of Police.

2. If the requesting officer’s Chief of Police considers the request they are to take several things into account. a. Work performance record. b. Sick time record. c. Highly proficient with weapons. d. Excellent physical condition. e. Ability to follow instructions accurately and with little supervision. f. Is the officer self motivated?

g. Is the officer willing to dedicate time and effort into training and call-outs? h. The maturity level of the officer. i. Does the officer have at least three (3) years police experience? j. Does the officer work well with others?

k. Is the department willing/capable of allowing the officer to attend training at least once a month and call-outs as they occur, including some extended training of a week or more at a time?

l. What are contract agreements with departments bargaining unit and will following F.L.S.A. (Garcia Guideline) be a problem?

m. Is the Chief aware of anything that may preclude his/her officer from becoming a member of this team?

n. Does the officer meet all the applicant requirements? o. Internal Affairs Record.

3. Once the Chief of Police has addressed these points and in his or her opinion, the officer could

apply, the Chief should forward the request for assignment, to the Regional SWAT Coordinator. The forwarding of the request for application to the Regional SWAT Coordinator shall act as the Chief of Police recommendation that he/she reviewed the officer’s qualifications pursuant to Section 2 and hereby authorizes and recommends the officer for Regional SWAT consideration.

4. Once the Regional SWAT Coordinator receives the request he/she in turn, will forward an

application for the officer to fill out and then return to their Chief of Police for review and signature. 5. Once completed, the officer’s application is to be sent to the Regional SWAT Coordinator, who will

forward it to the Regional SWAT Commanders for review, investigation and processing. a. The first phase of the review is the physical fitness and firearms tests. b. After satisfactory completion of the physical fitness and firearms tests, the SWAT Team

Coordinator will supervise the background investigation of the applicant and the documentation of the findings.

c. The applicant will also supply copies of firearms scores, all schools and any psychological examinations.

d. The applicant, spouse and co-workers will be interviewed by the SWAT Team Coordinator or their designee and the record of the interview and recommendation of the SWAT Team Coordinator forwarded to the Regional SWAT Commander.

e. The SWAT Team Coordinator or their designee is to conduct any additional investigation or inquires as necessary and forward their recommendation to the Regional SWAT Advisory Board. The Regional SWAT Advisory Board will review all provided information, decide if anything further is needed or can be added, and either concur with SWAT Coordinator’s recommendation, send back applicant information for further investigation, or disapprove of applicant with reason cited. A letter will be forwarded to the Chief of Police of the applicant including the expectations of the department and the Regional SWAT Team, and assure that all questions and issues have been addressed. The applicant will be advised that there is a one-year probationary period to this assignment wherein overall performance is monitored. Final approval or denial is made after probationary period expires.


C. APPOINTMENT – CONTINUING OBLIGATION 1. The continuing manpower goal for the Regional SWAT Team will be a two (2) officer’s obligation

per department, the goal for larger departments will be 10% of the department personnel. 2. All SWAT Team appointments shall be for a minimum assignment of five (5) years. 3. All appointments to the SWAT Team are an assignment and can be changed at the written request

of the member’s Chief of Police or as the result of a written request by the SWAT Coordinator. At anytime that the member’s Chief of Police becomes aware of some activity or situation that may affect his or/ her officer’s membership on the SWAT Team, it is the responsibility of the members Chief of Police to report it immediately to the Regional SWAT Coordinator for consideration and/ or action. If a situation arises during the course of the officer’s duties at his or/ her employing agency, it is the responsibility of the member’s Chief of Police to reconsider the officer’s suitability to an assignment as a member of Regional SWAT. Likewise, the Regional SWAT Coordinator shall report any deficiencies / negative situation by the Team member while on a Regional SWAT assignment (i.e. – Call-out, training) to the employing agencies Chief of Police. For the purpose of this Policy, a Team members promotion in rank shall not be deemed as a reason for a member’s removal or a cause to effect his or/ her membership status.

4. Any Team member who seeks to be deactivated from the Team whether for departmental matters or voluntary reasons must submit a written request, approved by the member’s Chief of Police, at least one year in advance of their departure from the Team. All Chiefs of Police must have a replacement member selected and approved for activation prior to deactivation of any current member. The only exceptions to this standard would be when removal is the result of disciplinary actions or approved personal reasons such as health and welfare.

D. TRAINING STANDARDS 1. The Regional SWAT Team will conduct training a minimum of 12 hours per month. The Regional

SWAT Team will train on appropriate subjects relate to the mission of the Regional SWAT Team. All training will be documented and training records will be maintained on file for ten (10) years.

2. All training will be performance oriented and SWAT Team specific. The Regional SWAT Team will maintain a current task manual that lists the standards of performance for each task, individual and team level. Individual team members will be re-certified once per year on all individual skills, and the team will be re-certified once per year on all team level skills. Failure to re-certify, at either level, will result in an immediate focus on remediation of basic skills. Continued failure to re-certify, after appropriate remediation, will be dealt with as a failure to meet minimum standards.

3. The training program will also include regular updates on legal issues facing SWAT operations,

such as warrant service knock and announce and hours for service issues. Deadly force policy and legal issues will also be a regular part of firearms training.

4. Any Team member who misses two consecutive training dates, or habitually misses Call-outs, may

be deactivated from the Team. All matters involving the deactivation of a Team member due to any attendance matter must immediately be brought to the attention of the member’s Chief of Police and the Regional SWAT Advisory Board for advisement.

5. Upon review and on the advisement of the Regional SWAT Advisory Board, agencies, whose

member is deactivate for attendance matters, may be held responsible for the reimbursement of all SWAT training expenses and equipment costs resulting from the member’s deactivation.


E. ANNUAL FITNESS REVIEW 1. Each member assigned to the Regional SWAT is required to participate in the physical fitness

examination that will be administered yearly. The member must have an average score of 70% or better with a minimum of 50% in each area to remain operational. If a member scores lower than 70 % overall or below 50% in any area they will be non-operational but will be required to attend training dates. They will be given a retest within thirty days. If at that time they do not obtain passing scores they will remain non-operational and will be given an addition thirty days for a final re-test. If the member does not make passing scores on the final retest they will be removed from the Team.

2. Periodic Firearms Qualifications: Each member assigned to Regional SWAT is required to exhibit a

high proficiency in the use of handguns and issued weapons by the Tactical Group. The minimum passing level will be 93%.

3. Duration of Appointment: The duration of appointment will be based upon an annual evaluation

submitted by staff members of the Tactical and Negotiations Groups, with final approval resting with the Regional SWAT Coordinator and the employing members Chief of Police. Officers not meeting the minimum standards established for membership to Regional SWAT will serve as grounds for removal from the SWAT Team. An officer at any time may resign from Regional SWAT. The County Prosecutor shall have final authority over any team members eligibility should a dispute arise between the employing member’s Chief of Police and the Regional SWAT Coordinator.

4. Annual Written Evaluations: Each member of Regional SWAT will be subject to an annual written

evaluation to be completed at the direction of the SWAT Coordinator. This evaluation will be separate from the member’s department performance evaluations.

5. Recommendation for Removal: The Tactical or Negotiations Team Leader may make application to

the SWAT Coordinator for removal of any member who may not satisfy the minimum requirements for membership to the SWAT Team.

IX. EQUIPMENT STANDARDS

A. All members of the Regional SWAT Team will be supplied with required and essential equipment, as determined by the Regional SWAT Advisory Steering Committee. The Committee determines the funding strategy of equipment and supplies.

B. All members of the Regional SWAT Team are required to have, at a minimum, the following essential

equipment for an operation; to include, but not limited to: 1. Ballistic Helmet 2. Safety glassed and goggles 3. Hearing protection 4. Communications Equipment; specifically, radio, headgear, etc… 5. Complete coverage ballistic entry vest complete with Threat level IV insert 6. Load bearing vest or duty belt for tactical equipment 7. Special weapons as authorized. 8. Appropriate amount of ammunition for weapons training and qualification

C. SWAT Team members will utilize appropriate utility type uniforms, of an approved color/pattern, and

footwear. Uniforms will utilize clearly visible and identifiable placards, patches, badges, or lettering that identifies the wearer of the uniform as a law enforcement officer. The SWAT Team Commander must approve all other items of personal wear or equipment. Two types of approved uniforms are:

1. Operations Uniform: Digital Camouflage 2. Tactical Training Uniform: Determined by the SWAT Commander for routine and monthly training.


3. CLASS C SWAT Uniform: Consisting of OD Green colored tactical pants, Black short-sleeved polo shirt, Black Chameleon soft-shell jacket. Class C Uniforms may be assigned for training programs or for Special Tactical Operations, as determined by the SWAT Commander.

D. SWAT Team members to whom any item of equipment is issued, are responsible for the

care and maintenance of the equipment, Failure to appropriately care for or maintain the equipment in full mission readiness will be grounds for removal from the team.

X. SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

A. Recognizing that the missions of the Regional SWAT Team are performed in a hazardous environment, and recognizing that the safety of innocent citizens, officers, and suspects is often jeopardized by the hazardous conditions, it shall be the intent of the Regional SWAT Team to utilize special equipment, as listed below, in an attempt to lessen the risk of injury or death to all involved during the performance of a SWAT operation, The Regional SWAT Team recognizes, however, that the use of the special equipment in no way implies or guarantees that injury or death will not occur during a SWAT operation.

1. Primary Entry Weapons: e.g.: entry shotguns and submachine guns; a short-barreled weapon

which enables the team member to acquire rapid target acquisition, enhances high levels of accuracy, and provides maneuverability, reliability, stopping power, and the ability to sustain fires.

2. High caliber rifles: commonly referred to as counter-sniper rifles, these weapons allow the team member to place highly accurate rounds where needed to help resolve life-threatening situations.

3. Less Lethal Weapons or Ammunition: weapons or ammunition which propel a round or device that is

not normally lethal in nature; designed to offer an alternative to the use of deadly force when appropriate.

4. Flash/Noise Diversionary Devices: designed to save lives and reduce the potential for a shooting

situation by providing a diversion for the entry of SWAT Team members into a hazardous area. Utilizes a bright flash of light followed immediately by a loud noise.

5. Breaching Tools and Ammunition: items such as rams, pry bars, hydraulic or electronic machines,

special frangible shotgun rounds, etc. which are designed to force entry into barricades or secured areas.

6. Explosives:

a. Tactical explosives used to force entry into barricaded or secured areas, or to create an entry point for the tactical teams where appropriate speed and surprise can only be accomplished through the use of the explosive.

b. Explosives are also used to create large interior distractions.

7. CBRNE (Chemical, Biological, Radioactive, Nuclear, Explosive) Equipment: a. Gas monitors used to detect different levels of potentially harmful gases. b. Hazardous Material Suits used to protect SWAT operators from hazardous exposure.

8. Tactical Armored Vehicle: Used in critical response and rescue operations involving downed

officers/citizens; high risk warrants; hostage rescue; terrorist incidents; CBRNE incidents; and any other incidents the Tactical Commander determines appropriate.

9. Tactical Robot: Used in critical response and rescue operations involving downed officers/citizens;

high risk warrants; hostage rescue; terrorist incidents; CBRNE incidents; and any other incidents the Tactical Commander determines appropriate.


B. ISSUANCE: The SWAT Team Commander will insure that only those Team members properly trained and certified in the use of the special equipment will utilize the equipment, the SWAT Team Commander will be responsible for establishing the certification standards and criteria for the team.

C. INTER-TEAM EMERGENCY CALL-OUT SYSTEM:

1. ONE CALL NOW EMERGENCY CALL-OUT SYSTEM: Recognizing the need to quickly and efficiently notify all members of a tactical response to an active emergency, an emergency call-out system has been established.

a. The Prosecutor, or designee, will maintain a current fee service for emergency call-out procedures; hereinafter, referred to as One Call Now.

b. The Prosecutor, or designee, will manage the emergency call out system and keep it current and active.

c. All personnel assigned to a tactical element of the Cape May County Regional SWAT Team must supply an active contact number where the member may be reached, at all hours, in the event of an emergency.

d. All personnel assigned to a tactical element of Regional SWAT, must notify a SWAT Commander, IMMEDIATELY, of any change to a member’s contact number. The Prosecutor, or designee, will update the record to maintain system integrity.

e. Any member found to violate this section will be subject to discipline, as determined by the SWAT Commander.

f. For details of the OneCallNow system and its features, See Attachment B. g. Account Information to access the system and its features may be requested through the

Prosecutor’s SWAT Team Coordinator.

XI. ADMINISTRATION OF REGIONAL SWAT:

A. INSURANCE 1. The Cape May County Regional SWAT Team shall be a named insured under a policy of insurance

issued through the County of Cape May. All participating members of Regional SWAT shall remain employees of their respective municipal or county law enforcement agency during their participation with Regional SWAT. All liability insurance covering said Regional SWAT Team member through their employer should remain in full force and effect during SWAT participation. Each Regional SWAT Team member shall be covered by the workmen’s compensation policy issued through his or her employer.

B. RECORDS

1. All records pertaining to Cape May County Regional SWAT will be kept at the Cape May County Prosecutor's Office and are subject to existing record retention schedules as set forth by the New Jersey Division of Archives and Records Management.

C. AUTHORITY

1. This directive shall remain in full force and effect until superseded or revoked by proper authority. This directive supersedes and replaces all prior directives, policy and/or procedures governing SWAT. Any need for clarification of this directive shall be made by written request to the Cape May County Prosecutor.


ATTACHMENT – A –

REQUEST FOR TACTICAL ASSISTANCE Date: Case #: Requesting Officer: Agency:

Type of Incident

Hostage Barricaded Subject Active Shooter Warrant Service

Other: Date and time operation is to occur: Location of operation: Operation Summary:

SUSPECT #1 Name: Sex: Age: Race: Ht: ” Wt: Hair: DOB: SS#: Address: History:

Additional:

Vehicle Make/Model:

Weapons:

Comments: RESIDENCE: (Description from SW)

Request For Tactical Assistance Page 1 of _____


Personnel Already Involved

Name Vehicle/ Unit Assignment

Special Equipment: Radio Channel: BACKUP: Include all Diagrams/Maps/Photos of target location and suspects: (Below or on additional blank sheets.

Request For Tactical Assistance Page 2 of _____


ATTACHMENT – B –

INTER-TEAM EMERGENCY CALL-OUT SYSTEM ONE-CALL-NOW PROCEDURES

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