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Special Weapons and Tactics team
History of
SWAT:
The special weapons and tactics concept originated in the late 1960s as a
result of several sniping incidents against civilians and
police officers around the country. Many of these incidents occurred in Los
Angeles during and after the Watts Riot. Upon critical examination of how
each incident was managed by police, the leadership of the LAPD realized that
an effective response to these dangerous situations was virtually
non-existent. Officer John Nelson presented the special weapons and tactics
concept to a young inspector by the name of Darryl F. Gates. Inspector Gates
concurred and approved the concept of a small group of highly disciplined
officers utilizing special weapons and tactics to cope with these unusual
and difficult attacks.
The first Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Unit consisted of 15 four-man
teams. Members of each team, who volunteered from the ranks
of patrol and other police assignments, had specialised experience and prior
military service. Each unit was activated for monthly training or when the
need for special weapons personnel actually arose. These units, known
as 'station defence teams,' provided security for police facilities during
civil unrest.
In 1971, the SWAT personnel were assigned on a full-time basis to Metropolitan
Division to respond to continuing action by subversive groups,
the rising crime rate and the continuing difficulty of mustering a team
response in a timely manner. Metropolitan Division, which had a
long-established reputation as the tactical unit of the Department, was
organized into 'A', 'B' and 'C' Platoons. The Special Weapons And Tactics
Unit was given the designation of 'D' Platoon, and at the same time formally
adopted the acronym SWAT.
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