NCJ Number
116340
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 58 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1989) Pages: 2-9
Date Published
1989
Length
8 pages
Annotation
To determine the current (1987) level of police tactical unit development and the types of assignments routinely handled by these units, a 10-page questionnaire was sent to 456 tactical unit commanders in all U.S. cities with a population over 50,000.
Abstract
Of these, 186 valid responses were returned (41 percent). In terms of location in the police department, some tactical units operated close to the top of the organizational hierarchy, while others were lower in the command structure. Tactical units were most frequently deployed in hostage situations, dignitary and public official protection, violent demonstrations, and situations involving terroristic threats. Other frequent assignments included handling threats against police, special events control, and handling demonstrations and rallies. Other uses included high-risk warrant service, drug raids, armed crimes, felony arrests, mass arrests, and training officers in special programs. Methods used for information collection and assessment were varied and included such activities as internal contacts with other officers, exchange of information with other law enforcement agencies, computerized file data, and surveillance. Intergovernmental coordinations was largely informal. Among major barriers to internal coordination and cooperation were control issues, poor communications, jealousy, and poor attitudes of supervisors. Many units indicated a need for written policies. Photographs, 4 tables, and 3 footnotes.