Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas (LEMIT)
Abstract
The necessity of tactical teams, often referred to as SWAT teams, continues to be validated throughout law enforcement in America. This paper addresses the origin of SWAT, along with current trends in American society, and opposition to the utilization and militarization of law enforcement specialized response teams. Based on current events, such as civil unrest associated with anti-law enforcement groups, domestic terrorism, and continued use SWAT or tactical teams related to narcotics, it is important to continue funding for equipment and training for those officers and agencies that have and will be thrust into the front lines of responding to increasingly complex and dangerous situations