Tactical Response Team Policy PDF

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 404 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 404.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Tactical Response Team (TRT) is comprised of two specialized teams: the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Assault Team. The unit has been established to provide specialized support...

Policy Des Plaines Police Department 404 Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 404.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE The Tactical Response Team (TRT) is comprised of two specialized teams: the Crisis Negotiation Team and the Assault Team. The unit has been established to provide specialized support in handling critical field operations where intense negotiations and/or special tactical deployment methods beyond the capacity of field officers appear to be necessary. 404.1.1 OPERATIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICY The Policy Manual sections pertaining to the Tactical Response Team are divided into Administrative and Operational Policy and Procedures. Since situations that necessitate the need for such a law enforcement response vary greatly from incident to incident and such events often demand on-the-scene evaluation, the Operational Policy outlined in this manual section serves as a guideline to department personnel allowing for appropriate on scene decision making as required. The Administrative Procedures, however, are more restrictive and few exceptions should be taken. 404.1.2 ASSAULT TEAM DEFINED An assault team is a designated unit of law enforcement officers that is specifically trained and equipped to work as a coordinated team to resolve critical incidents that are so hazardous, complex, or unusual that they may exceed the capabilities of first responders or investigative units including, but not limited to, hostage taking, barricaded suspects, snipers, terrorist acts and other high-risk incidents. As a matter of department policy, such a unit may also be used to serve highrisk warrants, both search and arrest, where public and officer safety issues warrant the use of such a unit. 404.2 POLICY It shall be the policy of this department to maintain a Tactical Response Team and to provide the equipment, manpower, and training necessary to maintain a Tactical Response Team. The Tactical Response Team should develop sufficient resources to perform three basic operational functions: (a) Command and Control. (b) Containment. (c) Entry/Apprehension/Rescue. It is understood it is difficult to categorize specific capabilities for critical incidents. Training needs may vary based on the experience level of the team personnel, team administrators and potential incident commanders. Nothing in this policy shall prohibit TRT from responding to a situation that exceeds their training levels due to the exigency of the circumstances. The preservation of innocent human life is paramount. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 1 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 404.2.1 POLICY CONSIDERATIONS A needs assessment should be conducted to determine the type and extent of TRT missions and operations appropriate to this department. The assessment should consider the team's capabilities and limitations and should be reviewed annually by the TRT Commander or his/her designee. 404.2.2 ORGANIZATIONAL PROCEDURES This department shall develop a separate written set of organizational procedures which should address, at minimum, the following: (a) Locally identified specific missions the team is capable of performing. (b) Team organization and function. (c) Personnel selection and retention criteria. (d) Training and required competencies. (e) Procedures for activation and deployment. (f) Command and control issues, including a clearly defined command structure. (g) Multi-agency response. (h) Out-of-jurisdiction response. (i) Specialized functions and supporting resources. 404.2.3 OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES This department shall develop a separate written set of operational procedures in accordance with the determination of their level of capability, using sound risk reduction practices. The operational procedures should be patterned after the National Tactical Officers Association Suggested SWAT Best Practices. Because such procedures are specific to TRT members and will outline tactical and officer safety issues, they are not included within this policy. The operational procedures should include, at minimum, the following: (a) (b) Designated personnel responsible for developing an operational or tactical plan prior to, and/or during TRT operations (time permitting). 1. All assault team members should have an understanding of operational planning. 2. Assault team training should consider planning for both spontaneous and planned events. 3. Assault teams should incorporate medical emergency contingency planning as part of the TRT operational plan. Plans for mission briefings conducted prior to an operation, unless circumstances require immediate deployment. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 2 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 1. When possible, briefings should include the specialized units and supporting resources. (c) Protocols for a sustained operation should be developed which may include relief, rotation of personnel and augmentation of resources. (d) A generic checklist to be worked through prior to initiating a tactical action as a means of conducting a threat assessment to determine the appropriate response and resources necessary, including the use of the assault team. (e) The appropriate role for a trained negotiator. (f) A standard method of determining whether or not a warrant should be regarded as high-risk. (g) A method for deciding how best to serve a high-risk warrant with all reasonably foreseeable alternatives being reviewed in accordance with risk/benefit criteria prior to selecting the method of response. (h) Post incident scene management including: 1. Documentation of the incident. 2. Transition to investigations and/or other units. TRT will secure the scene and its occupants until it is safe to turn them over to patrol officers and/or detective personnel. Once the Criminal Investigations Section takes over, TRT will be relieved unless otherwise directed by the TRT Commander or his/her designee. 3. Debriefing after every deployment of the Tactical Response Team. (a) After-action team debriefing provides evaluation and analysis of critical incidents and affords the opportunity for individual and team assessments, helps to identify training needs, and reinforces sound risk management practices. (b) In order to maintain candor and a meaningful exchange, debriefing will not be recorded. (c) When appropriate, debriefing should include specialized units and resources. (i) Sound risk management analysis. (j) Standardization of equipment deployed. 404.3 TRAINING NEEDS ASSESSMENT The TRT Commander shall conduct an annual TRT training needs assessment to ensure that training is conducted within team capabilities and department policy. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 3 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 404.3.1 INITIAL TRAINING Assault team operators and assault team supervisors/team leaders should not be deployed until successful completion of ILETSB-certified Basic SWAT Course or its equivalent. (a) To avoid unnecessary or redundant training, previous training completed by members may be considered equivalent when the hours and content (topics) meet or exceed department requirements or ILETSB standardized training recommendations. 404.3.2 UPDATED TRAINING Appropriate team training for the specialized assault team functions and other supporting resources should be completed prior to full deployment of the team. Assault team operators and assault team supervisors/team leaders should complete update/ refresher training as certified by ILETSB, or its equivalent, as deemed appropriate. 404.3.3 SUPERVISION AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING Command and executive personnel are encouraged to attend training for managing the TRT function at the organizational level to ensure personnel who provide active oversight at the scene of TRT operations understand the purpose and capabilities of the teams. Command personnel who may assume incident command responsibilities should attend a SWAT or Critical Incident Commander course or its equivalent. TRT command personnel should attend an ILETSB-certified SWAT commander or tactical commander course, or its equivalent. 404.3.4 ASSAULT TEAM ONGOING TRAINING Training shall be coordinated by the TRT Commander. The TRT Commander may conduct monthly training exercises that include a review and critique of personnel and their performance in the exercise in addition to specialized training. Training shall consist of the following: (a) Each assault team member shall perform a physical fitness test twice each year. Each team member must pass all aspects of the test. (b) Any assault team member failing to attain the minimum physical fitness qualification score will be notified of the requirement to retest and attain a qualifying score. Within 60 days of the previous physical fitness test date, the member required to qualify shall report to a team supervisor and complete the entire physical fitness test. Failure to qualify after a second attempt may result in dismissal from the team. (c) Those members who are on vacation, ill, or are on light duty status with a doctor's note of approval on the test date shall be responsible for reporting to a team supervisor and taking the test within 60 days of their return to regular duty. Any member who fails to arrange for and perform the physical fitness test within the 60 day period shall be considered as having failed to attain a qualifying score for that test period. In the event the member performs and fails the test, he/she will have 60 days from the date of the original test to retest and pass all aspects of the test. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 4 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team (d) Annually, each assault team member shall perform the mandatory TRT handgun qualification course. Failure to qualify will require that officer to seek remedial training from a team range master approved by the TRT Commander. Team members who fail to qualify must retest within 60 days. Failure to qualify within 60 days with or without remedial training may result in dismissal from the team. (e) Each assault team member shall complete the annual TRT qualification course for any specialty weapon issued to, or used by, the team member during TRT operations. Failure to qualify will require the team member to seek remedial training from a team range master who has been approved by the TRT Commander. Team members who fail to qualify on their specialty weapon may not utilize the specialty weapon on TRT operations until qualified. Team members who fail to qualify must retest within 60 days. Failure to qualify with specialty weapons within 60 days may result in the team member being removed from the team or permanently disqualified from use of that particular specialty weapon. 404.3.5 TRAINING SAFETY Use of a designated safety officer should be considered for all tactical training. 404.3.6 SCENARIO BASED TRAINING The Tactical Response Team should participate in scenario-based training that simulates the tactical operational environment. Such training is an established method of improving performance during an actual deployment. 404.3.7 TRAINING DOCUMENTATION Individual and team training shall be documented and records maintained by the Training Section. Such documentation shall be maintained in each member's individual training file. A separate agency TRT training file shall be maintained with documentation and records of all team training. 404.4 UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, AND FIREARMS 404.4.1 UNIFORMS TRT members from this agency should wear uniforms that clearly identify team members as law enforcement officers. It is recognized that certain tactical conditions may require covert movement. Attire may be selected appropriate to the specific mission. 404.4.2 EQUIPMENT TRT members from this agency should be adequately equipped to meet the specific mission(s) identified by the agency. 404.4.3 FIREARMS Weapons and equipment used by the assault team, the specialized units, and the supporting resources should be agency-issued or approved, including any modifications, additions, or attachments. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 5 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 404.4.4 OPERATIONAL READINESS INSPECTIONS The TRT Commander shall appoint a TRT supervisor to perform operational readiness inspections of all unit equipment at least quarterly. The result of the inspection will be forwarded to the TRT Commander in writing. The inspection will include personal equipment issued to members of the unit, operational equipment maintained in the TRT facility and equipment maintained or used in TRT vehicles. 404.5 MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISION OF TACTICAL RESPONSE TEAM The Commander of the Tactical Response Team shall be selected by the Chief of Police upon recommendation of staff. 404.5.1 PRIMARY UNIT MANAGER Under the direction of the Chief of Police, through the Operations Deputy Chief, the Tactical Response Team shall be managed by a Commander. 404.5.2 TEAM SUPERVISORS The negotiation and assault team supervisors shall be selected by the Chief of Police upon specific recommendation by staff and the TRT Commander. The rank of the respective team supervisors will not dictate operational authority, rather, the TRT Commander, or in his absence, a member of the Command Staff, will be responsible for overall operational authority. Both team supervisors will be considered of equal authority during an operation. The following represent the supervisor responsibilities for the Tactical Response Team. (a) The Negotiation Team supervisor's primary responsibility is to supervise the operations of the Negotiation Team which will include deployment, training, first line participation, and other duties as directed by the TRT Commander. (b) The assault team supervisor's primary responsibility is to supervise the operations of the assault team, which will include deployment, training, first line participation, and other duties as directed by the TRT Commander. 404.6 CRISIS NEGOTIATION TEAM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES The Crisis Negotiation Team has been established to provide skilled verbal communicators who may be utilized to attempt to de-escalate and effect surrender in critical situations where suspects have taken hostages, barricaded themselves, or have suicidal tendencies. The following procedures serve as directives for the administrative operation of the Crisis Negotiation Team. 404.6.1 SELECTION OF PERSONNEL Interested sworn personnel, who are off probation, shall submit a to-from request to their appropriate Deputy Chief. A copy will be forwarded to the TRT Commander and the Crisis Negotiation Team Commander. Qualified applicants will then be invited to an oral interview. The oral board will consist of the TRT Commander, the Crisis Negotiation Team Commander, and a Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 6 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team third person to be selected by the two. Interested personnel shall be evaluated by the following criteria: (a) Recognized competence and ability as evidenced by performance. (b) Demonstrated good judgment and understanding of critical role of negotiator and negotiation process. (c) Effective communication skills to ensure success as a negotiator. (d) Special skills, training, or appropriate education as it pertains to the assignment. (e) Commitment to the unit, realizing that the assignment may necessitate unusual working hours, conditions, and training obligations. The oral board shall submit a list of successful applicants to staff for final selection. 404.6.2 TRAINING OF NEGOTIATORS Those officers selected as members of the Negotiation Team should attend the Basic Negotiators Course as approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board (ILETSB) prior to primary use in an actual crisis situation. Untrained officers may be used in a support or training capacity. Additional training will be coordinated by the team supervisor. A minimum of one training day per quarter will be required to provide the opportunity for role playing and situational training necessary to maintain proper skills. This will be coordinated by the team supervisor. Continual evaluation of a team member's performance and efficiency as it relates to the positive operation of the unit shall be conducted by the team supervisor. Performance and efficiency levels, established by the team supervisor, will be met and maintained by all team members. Any member of the Negotiation Team who performs or functions at a level less than satisfactory shall be subject to dismissal from the unit. 404.7 ASSAULT TEAM ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES The assault team was established to provide a skilled and trained team which may be deployed during events requiring specialized tactics in such situations as cases where suspects have taken hostages and/or barricaded themselves as well as prolonged or predictable situations in which persons armed or suspected of being armed pose a danger to themselves or others. The following procedures serve as directives for the administrative operation of the assault team. 404.7.1 SELECTION OF PERSONNEL Interested sworn personnel who are off probation shall submit a To-From expressing interest to their appropriate Deputy Chief, a copy of which will be forwarded to the TRT Commander and other assault team supervisors. Those qualifying applicants will then be invited to participate in the testing process. The order of the tests will be given at the discretion of the TRT Commander. The testing process will consist of an oral board, physical agility, SWAT basic handgun, and team evaluation. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 7 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team (a) Oral board: The oral board will consist of personnel selected by the TRT Commander. Applicants will be evaluated by the following criteria: 1. Recognized competence and ability as evidenced by performance. 2. Demonstrated good judgment and understanding of critical role of TRT member. 3. Special skills, training, or appropriate education as it pertains to this assignment. 4. Commitment to the unit, realizing that the additional assignment may necessitate unusual working hours, conditions, and training obligations. (b) Physical agility: The physical agility test is designed to determine the physical capabilities of the applicant as it relates to performance of TRT-related duties. The test and scoring procedure will be established by the TRT Commander. A minimum qualifying score shall be attained by the applicant to be considered for the position. (c) TRT basic handgun: Candidates will be invited to shoot the TRT Basic Drill for the handgun. A minimum qualifying score of 400 out of a possible score of 500 must be attained to qualify. (d) Team evaluation: Current team leaders will evaluate each candidate on his/her field tactical skills, teamwork, ability to work under stress, communication skills, judgment, and any special skills that could benefit the team. (e) A list of successful applicants shall be submitted to staff, by the TRT Commander, for final selection. 404.7.2 TEAM EVALUATION Continual evaluation of a team member's performance and efficiency as it relates to the positive operation of the unit shall be conducted by the TRT Commander. The performance and efficiency level, as established by the team supervisor, will be met and maintained by all assault team members. Any member of the assault team who performs or functions at a level less than satisfactory shall be subject to dismissal from the team. 404.8 OPERATION GUIDELINES FOR TACTICAL RESPONSE TEAM The following procedures serve as guidelines for the operational deployment of the Tactical Response Team. Generally, the assault team and the Crisis Negotiation Team will be activated together. It is recognized, however, that a tactical team may be used in a situation not requiring the physical presence of the Crisis Negotiation Team, such as warrant service operations. This shall be at the discretion of the TRT Commander. 404.8.1 ON-SCENE DETERMINATION The supervisor in charge on the scene of a particular event will assess whether the Tactical Response Team is to respond to the scene. Upon final determination by the Watch Commander, he/she will notify the TRT Commander. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 8 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team 404.8.2 APPROPRIATE SITUATIONS FOR USE OF TACTICAL RESPONSE TEAM The following are examples of incidents which may result in the activation of the Tactical Response Team: (a) Barricaded suspects who refuse an order to surrender. (b) Incidents where hostages are taken. (c) Cases of suicide threats. (d) Arrests of dangerous persons. (e) Any situation that could enhance the ability to preserve life, maintain social order, and ensure the protection of property. 404.8.3 OUTSIDE AGENCY REQUESTS Requests by field personnel for assistance from outside agency crisis units must be approved by the Watch Commander. Deployment of the Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team in response to requests by other agencies must be authorized by a Deputy Chief. 404.8.4 MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL SWAT OPERATIONS The Tactical Response Team, including relevant specialized units and supporting resources, should develop protocols, agreements, MOUs, or working relationships to support multijurisdictional or regional responses. (a) If it is anticipated that multi-jurisdictional tactical operations will regularly be conducted; tactical multi-agency and multi-disciplinary joint training exercises are encouraged. (b) Members of the Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team shall operate under the policies, procedures and command of the Des Plaines Police Department when working in a multi-agency situation. Members assigned to the NIPAS assault or crisis negotiation team will, however, operate under NIPAS policies and procedures. 404.8.5 MOBILIZATION OF TACTICAL RESPONSE TEAM The on-scene supervisor shall make a request to the Watch Commander for the Tactical Response Team. The Watch Commander shall then notify the TRT Commander. If unavailable, a team supervisor shall be notified. A current mobilization list shall be maintained in the Watch Commander's office by the TRT Commander. The Watch Commander will then notify the Operations Deputy Chief as soon as practical. The Watch Commander should advise the TRT Commander with as much of the following information which is available at the time: (a) The number of suspects, known weapons and resources. (b) If the suspect is in control of hostages. (c) If the suspect is barricaded. (d) The type of crime involved. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 9 Des Plaines Police Department Des Plaines PD Policy Manual Tactical Response Team (e) If the suspect has threatened or attempted suicide. (f) The location of the command post and a safe approach to it. (g) The extent of any perimeter and the number of officers involved. (h) Any other important facts critical to the immediate situation and whether the suspect has refused an order to surrender. The TRT Commander or supervisor shall then call selected officers to respond. 404.8.6 FIELD UNIT RESPONSIBILITIES While waiting for the Tactical Response Team, field personnel should, if reasonably practicable: (a) Establish an inner and outer perimeter. (b) Establish a command post outside of the inner perimeter. (c) Establish an arrest/response team. The team actions may include: 1. Securing any subject or suspect who may surrender. 2. Taking action to mitigate a deadly threat or behavior. (d) Evacuate any injured persons or citizens in the zone of danger. (e) Attempt to establish preliminary communication with the suspect. Once TRT has arrived, all negotiations should generally be halted to allow the negotiators and assault team time to set up. (f) Be prepared to brief the TRT Commander on the situation. (g) Plan for, and stage, anticipated resources. Copyright Lexipol, LLC 2024/02/13, All Rights Reserved. Published with permission by Des Plaines Police Department Tactical Response Team - 10