2020/10/28 Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) Southwest Cities, Menifee Police DepartmentSouthwest Cities
Special Weapons and Tactics Team
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
Memorandum of UnderstandinS......
Section 1: Term Definitions... ..... .
Section 2: History and Establishment of Consolidated Team....
Section 3: Name of Consolidated Team...
Section 4: Mission Statement... .....
Section 5: Execr-rtive Structure
Section 6: lncident Command Structure....
Section 7r SWAT lncident Chain of Command
Section 8: Activation Procedures
Section 9: Compensation and Coverage..
Section 10: Training and Equipment. ,. ... ...
Section 11: Budget.. ...
Section 12: Jurisdiction, Policies and Procedures
Sectron 13: Liability. ..
Section 14: Nondiscrimination Clause.
Section 15: Amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding.
Section 16: Terms of the Memorandum of UnderstandinS . . .
Section 17. l/inimum Statfing
Section 18: On Boarding of Menifee PD
Section 19: Executive Staff (Chief) Signatures.......... ..
Section 20: City Manager Signatures.. . .. .
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Southwest Cilies
Special Weapons and Tactics Team
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is entered into by the Munieta Police
Department, the Hemet Police Department and the Menifee Police Department in order
to establish guidelines for the funclional consolidation of the three department special
weapons and tactics units.
Section 1: Term Definitions
1.1 Venue Aqency: The agency with criminaljurisdiction over the incident
requiring SWAT response.
1.2 S$/AT Deolovment: A SWAT deployment occurs when the SWAT
Commander or his/her designee initiates a SWAT mission or takes control
of an incident, including a pre-planned SWAT related event.
1.3 Command Post: The area desi gnated for command and support
1.4
personnel to work during the incident.
Command and Control: This includes planning, organizing, staffing,
directing and coordinating the overall SWAT operation.
1.5 &ea-Clrglaty:\gllr-S4y: Authority given by the SWAT Commander to
element leaders to react to immediate threats based on specific
information that could result in death or great bodily injury to cltizens,
hostages or otficers.
1.6 Emerqency Order: An order given by the SWAT Commander to a specific
team member (ex. sniper) or the entire team that may appear to not fall
vlthin department policy (ex. SWAT CO gives order to take a particular
action at the next available opportunity based on very specific and
imminent information received by command and control.) All Emergency
Orders must meet the standards set forth in the California Penal Code
with regard to deadly force applications.
1 ,7 Standard Call Out Dspl6rTmcnt: SWAT is activated , team members arrive
at staging location, assemble teams and equipment, receive a mission
and deploy. SWAT CO or designee establishes mission and authorizes
deployment.
1.8 Pre-Plarrned Mission: A SWAT related non-eme rgency request for high
risk search warrant service, dignitary protection, or other tactical operation
from detective bureau, outside agency, or command staff. All pre-planned
mission requests shall go through the SWAT Commander,
1.9 Ernerqencv Deolovme nt: SWAT personnel arrive and immediately prepare
for corrtainment or rescue. Personnel self-deploy to tactical posittons and
advise over operational radio channel of their position and provide
r-rpdated information to aniving SWAT personnel. The Senior SWAT
Operator on scene is designated as the team leader and is responsible for
command and conlrol until relieved by a higher ranking team member.
Section 2: Histcry and Establishment of the Gonsolidated Team
ln 1998, a hostage situation developed in the City of Hemet which taxed
the rescurces of the 1O-member Hemet Police Special Operations Unit.
Conrmand staff authorized a mutual aid request to the Munieta Police
Department for deployment of the Murrieta Police Department SWAT
tearn. The Hemet and Murrieta teams worked together during that
operation and successfully resolved the incident.
The leadership of both departments recognized the need for a more
forl,laiiy cornbined team. The two teams began training together twice-a-
month and developed a very positive relationship. Since that time, the
He'ilet and l,,lurrieta teams have trained together and deployed jointly on
over 100 SWAT activations.
ln July 2020, The [Vlenifee Police Depa(ment began providing police
services to the citizens of Menifee. The command staff of all three
agencies agree that the consolidation of their special weapons and tactics
units inio one tearn will benefit the citizens of all three communities by
sharing resources and equipment and formalizing a joint effort which is
already in place. The formal consolidation will allow for agreements to be
raade in advance on such issues as training, team structure, incident
command, equipment, and liability.
The puroose of this MOU is to establish a Special Weapons and Tactics
Team comprised of personnel, equipment and resources from the three
agencies, and to charge that combined team with the responsibility of
providing SWAI services to all three cities.
Section 3: Narne of Consolidated Tearn
The name of the consolidated team shall be:
"Soufhwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team"
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Section 4:Mission Statement
The mission of the Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team
is to provide a professional, fully equipped and trained tactical team,
consisting of members and equipment from three departments, capable of
handling crisis situations, extraordinary events and training which are
beyond the normal capabilities of other units within the departrnents. The
goal of the Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team is to
minimize the potential loss of life or great bodily injury to officers and the
public they serve. To this end, the team will maintain the highest level of
operational readiness through the development of sound tactical
strategies (best practice) and innovative training programs.
Section 5: Executive Structure (Roles and Responsibilities)
5.1 : Executive Staff
The executive staff of the Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics
Tearn shall be the Chiefs of Police fronr each agency.
Any executive staff member or designee can assume the role and
responsibility of the SWAT CO at any SWAT action or incident under the
following circumstances:o The SWAT CO is unfit to fulfill his/her duties.c The SIVAT CO orders or directions are unlaMul/immoral/unethical.o The SWAT CO orders or directions are not consistent with best
p!'actices related to SWAT deployments and tactics.
Executive staff from each department will designate a police captain to
advise and/or act in their absence.
5.2: Command Staff
Tlie comrnand staff of the Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics
ream shall consist of a police captain and a police lieutenant from each
participating department as selected by executive staff. A SWAT
commander shall be designated by the executive staff and serve at their
direction. The SWAT Commande/s length of service shall also be
determined by lhe executive staff.
Section 6: lncident Command Structure (Roles and Responsibilities)
6.1 SWAT Cor.nmande[
The SWAT Commander (CO) is a lieutenant who is directly responsible for
all Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactiqs Team actions. The
designated lieutenant (CO) will ensure the operational readiness of the
team. Decisions such as deployment of team personnel, the operational
mission, goals and objectives, the use of tactical methods and the
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6.6 Cn515-_llegs.!-a!o!S_Tcarn_Lea.der
The Crisis Negotiations Team Leader is a sergeant or corporal who is
responsible for the direction and scope of negotiations during a
deployment. The Crisis Negotiations Team Leader will clear the actlvities
of the crisis negotiators through the SWAT Commander.
6.7 Venue Aqency !-iaison Oflicer
The Venue Agency Liaison Officer is a senior staff member (usually a
captain or lieutenant) from the venue agency assigned to the SWAT
incident as a liaison for venue agency personnel. The Liaison Officer is
assigned lo the command post. Together with the SWAT CO and Mission
Leader the Liaison Officer identifies the mission the venue agency wants
to accomplish with the incident. The tactical methods and personnel used
to accomplish the mission are the responsibility of the SWAT CO.
6.8 Corr:inar-rcl Pr:st Su pLo_(le-ao Leadel
The CP Support Team Leader is an officer responsible for providing
support services related to the incident. The CP Support Team Leader is
generally responsible for the setup and operation of the command post
and all related CP equipment. The CP Support Team Leader is assigned
to lhe command post and reports to the SWAT Commander.
6.9 Tactit-'al M ic Team
The Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team has a program
estabiished for tactical medicine delivery during SWAT incidents. A
Tactical Medic Team Leader will be designated by the SWAT CO to
oversee all tactical medics from each participating agency. The Tactical
l!'ledic Leader is a Fire Captain or Fire Medic who is responsible for the
furictional supervision, as well as training standards, for all of the tactical
medics assigned to the Southrvest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics
Team. The Tactical tuledic Team Leader reports to the assigned Tactical
Element Leader as assigned by the SWAT CO during SWAT missions.
6.10 Venue noencv Watcn
The Watch Commander is the ranking officer from the venue agency who
is assigned command of patrol operations in the venue jurisdiction not
related to the SWAT deployment. Until the Venue Agency Liaison Officer
anives on scene, the Watch Commander acts as a liaison to the SWAT
Commander in order to coordinate the SWAT deployment in the venue
jurisdiction.
Section 7: SWAT lncident Chain of Command
The lncident Chain of Command applies only to personnel assigned to the
deployment. lt is understood that ofiicers from all agencies may fall under
the command or supervision of a ranking member of the other agency.
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Section 8: Activation Procedures
B1 Standard SW AT Activation
SWAT tearn activations generally invclve suspect(s) that are reasonably
be!ieved to be armed (traditional and non{raditional weapons) and are
eligible for arrest (felony). A SWAT team activation can prevent loss of
life, as well as in.luries to officers, citizens and suspects. Activation will
generally rncrease the probability of ending the incident in a peaceful
manner. Southwest Crties Special Weapons and Tactics Team actlvation
ciecisions are made by the SWAT CO or designee.
(See: Attachment A for Standard SWAT Aclivation Guidelines).
lrrrtiat;nq an Em eroencv SVI/AT Dc Diovment
When an incident arises in any of the venue agency lurisdictions which
meets the criteria for an emergency SWAT deployment, a request will be
made through the venue agency dispatch center requesting an emergency
SWAT activation. The SWAT Commander will be immediately notified by
the venue agency Watch Commander or his/her designee of the
circumstances surrounding the incident. The SWAT Commander or
designee will initiate an Emergency SWAT Deployment if criteria is met.
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Participating agencies agree to activate their team at the request of the
SWAT Commander unless extenuating circumstances exist.
(See: Attachment F tor Emergency SWAT Deployment Guidelines)
8.2 Use of SWAT Threat Assessment F orm
The SWAT threat assessment form shall be used by all agencies
personnel, regardless of assignment, when engaged in the operational
planning of a search and/or anest warrant. This form is to be used as a
means to evaluate the need for assistance from the SWAT team and to
ensure conformity in the application and use of the special weapons team
(See: Attachment B for lhreat Assessment Form)-
itlutual Aid R CStS
ln the event that any participating agency receives a request from another
jurisdiction for a mutual aid SWAT activation, the SWAT
Gommander will be notified and has the authority to either accept or deny
the request-
Section 9: Compensation and Coverage
8.3
9.1 Perv and Compensation
Each participating agency will provide for the coverage an d compensation
of their agency's personnel assigned to a SWAT deployment in
accordance with the agency's respective labor agreements' FLSA
regulations and worker's compensation practices-
5.2 Reimbursernent During On Boarding of Menifee PD
Hemet Police Department's personnel costs associated with any SWAT
related incidents or evenls that fall within their jurisdiction during the "on
boarding" period. lt is expected that on boarding will be completed in a
reasonable amount of time, not longer than 36 months.
Orr Boarcltnq Timeframe
The trlenifee Police Department agrees to reimburse the Murrieta and
Minim um Commltment
Reimbursemerrt requirements will be null and vo id once the Menifee
Police Department has committed at least'10 SWAT team members of the
rank of sergeant or below to the regional team who are capable of and
equippecl to be deployed in a SWAT incident or mission.
Costs
F-ersonnel costs are direct costs calculated at an hourly or overtime rate of
pay. The Hemet and Murrieta Police Departments SWAT callout
personnel costs are calculated at the time of the call out.
(See: Aftachment E: July 2020 Cail Out Cost Ereakdown)
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Reiir: br rrsernent and Billinq Considerations
Each Menifee PD SWAT Operator added to the team will drop the
cost sharing burden by 10%.
Hemet PD and Munieta PD will bill based on the actual rates of the
operators on scene, at their current pay rate during the incident.
SIVAT Conrmand Staff has the authority to substitute a scheduled
SV/AT training day lor a callout if deemed appropriate.
Executive statf reserves the right to change this model at any time,
including the billable hourly rates.
Section 10: Training, Equipment and Qualification Standards
10.1 EouipmentOwnershiP
Each participating agency will provide the training and equipment required
for their personnel to perform the tasks associated with the SWAT
mission. Equipment, vehicles and weapons shall remain the property of
tt:e purchasing agency unless joint purchasing agreements are made
outside the parameters of this MOU.
10.2 Llniforms
10.3
10.4 tVlinimurn Qualifi caticn Standard s ancJ Safetv Violations
The Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team will wear naly
blue tactical BDU uniforms with a black colored undershirt and black
boots. Sniper team members will wear mulli-cam colored BDU uniforms
with green undershirts and tan colored boots' The specific deparlment
shcuiCer patch will be attached to the right shoulder while the regional
teanr shoulder patch will be attached to the left shoulder. Rank insignia
fo. sergeanis and corporals will be worn on the BDU sleeve- Specific
marrufictures or uniform styles will be at the discretion of SWAT
Command Staff with final approval by the executive staff. Uniform costs
are the respollsibility of each participating agency.
Bestiup.d tadlga I--ESqPrnedttl" r"rponiiritity for ensuring a proper accounting and inventory of
equipment, as well as overseeing the evaluation of equipment and tactics
tails to the SWAT Command Staff group for Southwest Cities Special
W.dapons and Tactics Team. Command staff will be advised by their
respective team leaders on required equipment, including firearms.
Once
rnust
SWAT personnel are selected by their re
continue to meet rninimum standards in p
spective agencies, they
hysical fitness and firearms
qualifications. (See: minimum standards detailed in Aftachment C & D)'
The SWAT CO has the authority to temporarily suspend any SWAT
personnel from the team in the event the team member fails to meet
E
minimum fitness and/or firearms standards, ln the event a team member
does not meet the minimum standards detailed in attachments C and D,
SWAT Command Staff will be advised as soon as practical. Remedial
training and re-activation will be at the discretion of SWAT Command
Staff.
The SWAT CO has the authority to temporarily suspend SWAT personnel
from the team in the event of a safety violation. SWAT Command Staff
will be advised as soon as practical for all safety violations, on or off duty.
Re-activation will be at the discretion of SWAT Command Staff.
10.5 Qqrnrnand Pos-t
ln an effort to ensure team efficiency and prevent needless deployment of
resources, command post deployment is the responsibility of the venue
agency. The SWAT CO or Venue Agency Liaison Officer can request
additional Command Posts if needed based on the incident or mission.
The SWAT CO shall be notified by each department's command post
representative anytime a command post is out of service and when it
returns to service.
10.6 Ulilizi-:tiorr o[ Tactical E Ut ti)e nt
A,ll tactical equipment available for use by the Southwest Cities Special
Weapons and Tactics Team (regardless of ownership by any participating
agency) is subject to call out by lhe SWAT CO.
10.7 Traininq
The Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team follows
California POST guidelines and the California Tactical Officer's
Association training best practices. Minimum training hours for all
personnel must be met. Unexcused missed training days and IOD status
of personnel shall be tracked by the SWAT CO or designee, Training
needs antl training recommendations are evaluated and vetted by SWAT
Command Staff. Every effort lo attend common classes by all agencies
should be made.
Section 11 Budget
Budget is handled by each participating agency and is subject to a yearly
review by the SWAT Command Staff group. All equipment purchased by
a participating agency is the property ofthat agency. All personnel costs
for each participating agency personnel are the responsibility of that
agency. The purpose of the yearly budget review is to manage the shared
assets of the Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics Team and
evaluate costs and budgetary needs on a yearly basis. Budget review
should occur at mid-year if possible. Onboarding costs are covered in
Section 9.
e
Section 12: Jurisdiction, Policies and Procedures
Personnel assigned to the Southwest Cities Special Weapons and Tactics
Team shall be deemed to be continuing under the employment of their
respective jurisdiction and shall have the same powers, duties, privileges,
responsibilities and immunities as are conferred upon lhem as peace
officers operating in their own jurisdiction. Each participating agency
member will be bound by the policies and procedures of his/her respective
agency. (See: SWAT Emergency Order Exception - Section 1)
Section 13: Liability
For the purposes of indemnification, each participating agency shall be
responsible for the actions of their personnel while assigned to a SWAT
deployment and shall incur any liabilities arising as a result of the actions
of assigned personnel. Each particioating agency agrees to defend and
indemnify their personnel and to hold harmless the other agency in
regards to any liability imposed by the acts of their personnel.
Section 14: NondiscriminationClause
Each participating agency will comply with Title Vl of the Civil Rights Act of
1964 and all requirements of the US Department of Justice (CFR, Part 42,
C & D) issued pursuant to Title Vt relating to discrimination of the grounds
of race, color, creed, sex, age or national origin.
Section 15: Amendments to the Memorandum of Understanding
Amendments to this MOU must be approved, in writing, by the Executive
Officers of each participating agency.
Section 16: Terms of Memorandum of Understanding
This MOU shall become effective on the date all three participating
Executive Officers have signed and shall remain in effect until
discontinued by mutual agreement. Either participating agency may
terminate the agreement by written notice to the Executive Officers of the
other agencies. lt is understood that such notice will be accepted as
termination by all parties. A 1 year notice of termination is required.
Section 17: Minimum Staffing
Each agency agrees to commit a minimum of 10 SWAT team members
having ihe rankof sergeant or below' All 10 members must be capable of
and equipped to be deployed in a SWAT incident or mission.
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Section 18: On Boarding of Menifee PD
Menifee PD will be allowed to join the Southwest Cities Special Weapons
and Tactics Team in a teared process over a three year period beginning
July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2023. Cost sharing specifics are
determined by SWAT Executive Staff. (See: Section 9.2)
Section 19: Executive Staff Signatures
The undersigned represent the Hemet, Menifee and Murrieta Police
Departments and have the authority to execute this agreement on behalf
of their respective agencies.
Sean Hadden, Chief of Police
MURRIETA POLICE DEPARTMENT
Date: c]€, --io 26)h
I
Eddie Pust, C fo olice
HEfuIET POLI E PARTMENT
Date 1-c-zc2
Pat Walsh,Chief of Police
MENIFEE POLICE OEPARTMENT
Date: 7 /6/,,)
Section 20: City Manager Signatures
The undersigned represent the City Manager authorizations for the Cities
of Hemet, Menifee and Murrieta. The City Managers listed below report
directly to their elected councils and have the authority to execute this
agreement on behalf of their respective cities.
Kim S ummers,City Manager
City of Murrieta
Date: a- [t- Zt
Chris Lopez, Gity Manager
City of Hemet
Date: (olz.lhu
Armando G, V City Manager
City of
Date:
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