Creating safer spaces
The Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) team was to resolve any incident in the safest manner possible, protecting the lives of citizens, police and suspects. SWAT works closely with the Crisis Negotiators Team, the Divisional Operational Teams and Canine to resolve incidents. The team has specialists trained as:
a) Counter-snipers – must be able to put five rounds of ammunition into a 1” circle at 100 yards. Counter-snipers, from a good vantage point with their scopes, are most often used in gathering intelligence.
b) Entry specialists – trained in covert entries (into a building), dynamic entries, high-risk warrant service (drug-search warrant), hostage rescue and resolving barricaded-person situations. These team members are trained in deployment of chemical munitions and less-lethal munitions.
c) Rappel specialists – would be used in cases where a specialized entry technique is required.
Duties
- High-risk warrant entries
- Non-violent apprehension of armed and barricaded suspects
- Rescue missions involving hostages, officers and citizens captured or endangered by gunfire
- Counterterrorist operations