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The TAC-30 Unit is trained in
the use of special weapons, equipment and tactics necessary to arrest and/or
control suspects or individuals under circumstances that the standard patrol
practices are ill-equipped to resolve without extreme personal hazard.
The TAC-30 unit may be called out for the following situations:
- Counter-sniper activities
- To protect police
officers, firefighters and the public during unusually dangerous situations
- Rescue citizens during
incidents involving hostile activity
- Provide security for
diplomatic and/or governmental officials in King County
- High risk/security
prisoner transport
- Raid or assault fortified
structures or compounds
- Neutralize paramilitary
organizations
- High-risk searches and/or
arrests, warrant services, stakeouts, etc.
- Any situation by its
apparent nature, which is life threatening and that would be considered
beyond the scope of normal police response or capabilities
- Response requires special
equipment, tactics or training not available to patrol operations
Organization
The unit consists of a Unit
Commander (Captain), two element leaders (Sergeants) and 18 team members
(Deputies). In addition to their duties with TAC-30, some members are also DUI
officers, Canine handler, Forest Patrol Deputy, pilot, Metro Transit Police
Officers and Training Instructors.
The TAC-30 Unit is divided into the following sub-units:
Entry Element
Security/Marksman Element
Arrest/Containment Team
Selection Process
Members of the TAC-30 Unit will
be selected from personnel whose name appears on the current eligibility list.
The list is good for one year. Department members who wished to be assigned to
the TAC-30 Unit must successfully complete firearms competency testing with
handgun, urban rifle and/or shotgun. In addition, they must also successfully
pass a physical fitness evaluation and an oral interview.
Training Requirements
All team members are trained in
tactical procedures through a Basic SWAT Officer school conducted by the WA
State Criminal Justice Training Commission. Failure to successfully complete
this course will cause the member to be removed from the unit.
The team currently trains three days a month. As physical conditioning is a
high priority for team members, a minimum of two hours per week of on-duty
time is provided to each member.
Different Services for
Different Situations
Depending upon the situation,
TAC-30 can be activated in a phased approach. If a phase is insufficient or if
circumstances change, service may be upgraded to the next level.
PHASE ONE: Quick response team is called out.
PHASE TWO: Additional personnel are called to the scene.
PHASE THREE: Call out of the full TAC-30 team.
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