Tactical training
is life and death for a police officer.
Tactical training prepares police officers to deal with threats quickly and efficiently with the purpose of ensuring officer survival. Officers train in tactical use of weaponry such as handguns, rifles and edged weapons. This training is essential for any law enforcement personnel who are working with the public. The competent and practical execution of technical skills contributes to the safety of the public as well as of the officer.
History
Until the late 1960s, formal tactical training for officers working in team situations did not exist. Several events in various areas of the country catalyzed the birth of this area of training. One occurred in 1966 in Austin, Texas, where Charles Whitman shot and killed 15 people from a tower at the University of Texas. Had police officers had tactical training focusing on cohesive team skills, many of the deaths may have been prevented.
Levels of Tactical Training
While all police officers receive some basic measure of tactical training upon entering the police academy, advanced tactical training is given to officers with experience who have been appointed to the special position of tactical officer. This is usually an officer of four years or more who has qualified for SWAT, or special weapons and tactics. They receive advanced firearm training, training in forced entry technique and hostage negotiation skills.
Specialized Training
In addition to core tactical training courses, tactical officers can choose to train in a number of specialty areas. One of the most interesting is tactical training with police service dogs. Both the tactical officer and the canine need this special training to learn to work together in crisis situations where firearms may be discharged by both the officer and a criminal element. Other specialized courses include terrorist countermeasures, response to civil disorder and tactical rappelling.
Considerations
Becoming trained as a tactical officer can be extremely rewarding, but there are other factors to consider. The officer will be deployed to much more dangerous crisis situations with his team than otherwise would occur. He may be asked to work long nights away from family and supportive relationships. These factors, coupled with the high stress nature of the position, can take their toll on officers who are not equipped to cope with these realities.
Education and Salary
Requirements for police officers appointed to tactical positions vary by city, region and agency. Some general requirements that most municipalities and agencies share, however, are that the candidate must have a high school diploma or GED, be a U.S. citizen and pass a basic physical fitness test. Many agencies have additional educational requirements and more stringent fitness testing. Salaries can vary from $18,000 to $35,000 annually to start.
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