NCJ Number
188690
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 49 Issue: 3 Dated: March 2001 Pages: 77-81
Date Published
March 2001
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article describes the use of stress training as part of the overall training program for SWAT team members.
Abstract
Special team members are often going to face threatening situations and still be expected to function efficiently. Understanding their reactions under even the mildest threat stimulus will enable the team leader to evaluate team members' limitations. Stress reduces an individual's attention capacity and narrows it to central tasks on hand. Special team members must be trained, through exposure, to remain focused on the central task and to overcome outside stimuli that may affect their performance. Testing team members' abilities while under moderate stress is vital to future success. An individual's understanding of his own performance and stress inoculation against the fears that can develop under many physical variables should be prime team management objectives. The article includes several examples of incidents and accidents that have happened when training is intense and very specific to a defined task. However, such events should not compromise training programs or result in a change in program goals. The article notes that deployment of a special team is frequently a last resort; success is demanded and nothing can or should compromise that goal. Intensity in training is the key to success.