S.W.A.T.
The KPD SWAT Team was formed in the fall of 1980.The team currently consists of 11 members, including one medic. The SWAT team averages approx. 1 callout per month. SWAT members must be KPD officers for three years before applying to the SWAT team. They must pass a rigorous testing procedure and Team interview to even be considered.
S.W.A.T.responds to six main categories of calls including:
- Hostage Situations
- Sniper/counter-sniper deployment
- Barricaded subjects
- Heavy Arrest
- Dignitary Protection
- Special Circumstances (Riot suppression, etc.)
In addition to their tactical skills, the SWAT Team depends on many different tools and weapons. The primary weapon of the team is the Colt Commando M-4 Rifle. The secondary weapon is the 1911 .45 ACP pistol. They also use Remington 870 shotguns, distraction devices, and two variations the of 40 mm launchers, which shoot a variety of chemical irritants. All of these have special uses depending upon each situation. The sniper team uses the McMillian TAC .308 rifle, a custom built rifle that is fully adjustable.
A very important supplement to the SWAT team is specially trained paramedic that is attached to the Team. He is combat casualty trained and a flight paramedic on a medical helicopter.
