(See attached file: SWAT COPS release.doc)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Monique Bond
July 22, 2011 Public Information
Office
312-814-836
www.isp.state.il.us
TDD: 1-800-255-3323
Illinois State Police Special Weapons and Tactics Unit (SWAT) Conduct
Hostage Barricade and High Risk Operations Training Exercise
Elite Team Demonstrates Latest Technology and Tactics During Training
Exercise
PAWNEE, IL – Earlier this week, the Illinois State Police (ISP) SWAT
conducted a live hostage barricade training exercise using high powered
sniper rifles, explosives, armored vehicles, and an agency helicopter as
part of the Agency's commitment to continuing specialized training and
education in operational tactics.
With temperatures exceeding 90 degrees and the heat index climbing to
over 100 degrees, armor-clad SWAT officers demonstrated its latest
techniques and strategies on freeing hostages from armed, barricaded
suspects, while also demonstrating explosive breach techniques.
Members of the team demonstrated marksmanship by targeting several
barricaded rooms on the move, descending from a helicopter while hitting
targets with a degree of accuracy.
The training exercise is part of the Special Operations Command
Section's on-going training efforts to prepare unit members for the
unexpected.
"These training exercises are critical and necessary so that our
officers are equipped with the necessary skills to respond safely and with
tactical precision at every level during a crisis situation," said ISP
Director Hiram Grau. "Upcoming events like the G-8 Summit underscore the
importance of this elite unit and their tremendous value to federal, state,
and local law enforcement agencies," Grau added.
The ISP SWAT is currently composed of 44 officers divided among three
teams: north, central and south. In 2010, the ISP SWAT conducted 281
missions with 150 of those being high risk search and arrest warrants. So
far this year, the ISP SWAT has executed 160 operations which included
warrants, hostage/barricade situations, dignitary protection, and crowd
control. Many surrounding and local municipalities rely on the ISP SWAT
for high risk operations, equipment, and training support.
The Unit's Commanding Officer also stressed the importance of
recurring tactical and anti-terrorism training. "Our officers have some of
the best tactical training in the country and have trained and certified
other local police department units," said Captain Scott Koerner. "They
are equipped with critical decision making skills that are necessary to
respond to any crisis situation," he added.
The ISP SWAT is fully certified as the state's law enforcement
response for any type of Weapons of Mass Destruction event and is dedicated
24 hours.
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