Club Meeting October 9- Medford P D- SWAT
Rotarian Randy Sporacino introduced Lieutenant Don Lane of the Medford PD to speak to the club about the special SWAT force and what their purpose is. The current SWAT Team began in 1990 as the Special Emergency Response Team, to meet the demand for a response to the ever-increasing nationwide problem of violent barricaded suspect/hostage incidents, and high-risk search warrants. The average patrol officer is not equipped to deal with such unusually dangerous situations. Larger cities have had SWAT teams since the early 1970’s, in response to violent incidents.
Officers were carefully selected for the team. Equipment from other similar teams in the nation was surveyed and Medford SERT was formed. The name was changed to SWAT (Special Weapons & Tactics Team) in 1998, Medford officers received training from similar teams with Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police, and numerous other agencies.
As the Medford SWAT Team is a part-time team, members come from many divisions within the department. As a result of their involvement in SWAT activities, officers are much more competent at their regular duties. Because SWAT tactics minimize risk, many of these techniques are adapted to regular patrol procedures. Medford officers are much more competent, confident and safer in their daily duties.
Like the military, SWAT trains for the worst, hoping it never comes. Medford SWAT trains a minimum of one day a month. Twice yearly, Medford’s SWAT Team attends 40 hour advanced schools. Medford PD constantly seeks additional training opportunities to enhance their skills. Equipment is being continually upgraded to find the most modern and reliable equipment to ensure the highest degree of safety to the officers and the public.
SWAT’s current responsibilities include: high risk search warrants, barricaded suspects, hostage incidents, dignitary protection, crowd and riot control and active shooter incidents. Recently, Medford’s SWAT team conducted training at local high schools, in response to violence in schools, nationwide. They have also conducted informational classes for the Citizen’s Academy, and the Medford Chamber.
After the meeting, Rotarian were invited to look over the typical tactical and safety gear used, as well as the heavily equipped vehicle used in SWAT required events.