LAPD Swat Team

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LAPD Swat Team

The concept of special weapons and tactic teams originated in the late 1960's as a

response to several sniping incidents against civilians and police forces throughout the

U.S. The most notable incident being the Texas Tower Massacre. During this time Los

Angeles experienced many problems of it's own. Escalated violence toward police and

civilians became all too common. Realizing that an effective response to these dangerous

situations were virtually non-existent, LAPD officer John Nelson presented the special

weapons and tactics concept to Darryl F. Gates, a young police inspector. Inspector

Gates approved the concept and the formation of a small group of highly disciplined

offices utilizing special weapons and tactics to cope with the new level of violence and

unusual assaults. The first SWAT unit consisted of fifteen, four man teams. The members

were volunteers from the various ranks of patrol and police assignments who had various

military training. In 1971, SWAT was recognized as a full time unit with the Metropolitan

Division. The Metropolitan Division of the known as the tactical unit of the LAPD, was

organized into 'A', 'B', and 'C' platoon, and was given the designation of 'D' platoon,

and at the same time formally adopted the acronym SWAT. SWAT stands for Special

Weapons and Tactics. Due to it's high level of training and success rate, LAPD SWAT is

considered to be the preeminent SWAT team in North America. SWAT regularly trains

with various police and military agencies, sharing their knowledge and honoring their

skills.

STRUCTURE

SWAT, officially recognized as LAPD 'D' platoon, is comprised of 60 officers, 6

sergeants, and 1 Lieutenant. The Lieutenant, refereed...

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...l front, back, and over the

shoulder coverage, as well as side torso protection. Inside each front panel is a large

pocket into which an extra plate is inserted as the vest is donned. As the front of the vest

is overlapped and zipped up, the plate is centered on the torso. The entry plate is body

contoured and constructed from a polyethylene fiber made by Allied Signal. Entry plate

weight is 4.4 pounds and will defeat 7.62 x 51mm NA TO full metal jacket ammunition

and similar rounds such as .223 and 7.62 x 39mm, as well as soft nosed expanding rifle

bullets. Overall weight of the Cover Six Plus is 16 pounds.

Balaclava/Tactical Gloves: The head and gauntlet style gloves warn by 'D' platoon are

made of fire retardant material nomex. Their wear offers protection to the officers

extremities when encountering sharp objects, chemical and gas explosions.

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