Tactical Unit / S.W.A.T.
Mesa
Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team was formed in 1975 at the
direction of the Chief. The SWAT team began with only five members and was
originally formed as an anti-sniper team. The Team quickly realized that
there was much more to tactics than just being an anti-sniper team and began
training for other high risk situations. The group of highly trained and
well-equipped Officers has evolved over the years into a complete Tactical
Unit. The Tactical Unit, which is overseen by Lieutenant Dave Hagar, now
includes the SWAT Team, Hostage Negotiators, Tactical Emergency Medics, the
Hazardous Device Team and
the K-9 Unit.
The Tactical Team responds
to the following situations: Barricaded Suspects, Hostage Rescue
Missions, Hazardous Warrant Service, Counter Sniper Situations,
Dignitary Protection, or any other mission designated by the
Chief of Police.
The Team trains 40 hours a month. The
SWAT Team is a full-time unit operating with three squads on
various schedules to provide an immediate response during the
critical hours of the day. When not performing SWAT functions,
the team members support the patrol operations by providing high
enforcement activity in designated areas in the city. The Team
uses the following criteria for selection of SWAT officers. The
member will: "Be a Sworn Police Officer with the City of Mesa;"
off probation; volunteer his or her services; be recommended by
their supervisor; pass physical, shooting and oral board tests;
pass a psychological exam; pass the
Basic SWAT School; and receive certification from the SWAT
Team.
For more information, contact
Lieutenant Dave Hagar.
You may also send e-mail inquiries about the School or the
Tactical Unit to Sergeant
John Rolfe or
Sergeant Bob Nesbit.
Mesa Police Department
Tactical Unit/SWAT
PO Box 1466
Mesa, AZ 85211
480-644-2017