Team Biography

TRACY POLICE SWAT

The Tracy Police S.W.A.T. Team was initially established in February of 1991. The current command structure facilitates a Team Commander, a Team Leader and Assistant Team Leader, an Entry/ Perimeter/Arrest Team, two Counter-Snipers/Observers, and a Hostage Negotiations Support Team.

The team consists of an eight man entry cell, equipped with H&K .40 caliber UMP sub-machine guns, Colt .223 AR-15 rifles, and 12 gauge Benelli shotguns. Each member also carries a .40 caliber Beretta or Glock sidearm, and is cross-trained in the use of each of the designated entry weapons.

The S.W.A.T. Team members are selected from the ranks of the departments Patrol and Investigations Divisions. Each individual's law enforcement experience, emotional maturity, marksmanship, camaraderie, and physical fitness, are initially evaluated during the selection process, and then continually throughout the officers tour on the team. Each member is required to pass a quarterly Physical Fitness Qualification Examination, which involves tests of strength and endurance, as well as a 26-minute, 3-mile run.

The Team is supported by state of the art special weapons, a S.W.A.T. van, and a 4-person, Hostage Negotiations Unit, complete with their own Mobile Communications Vehicle.

We believe that the Tracy Police Department S.W.A.T. Team is a well-trained and specialized response unit. They can be deployed quickly when needed, and deliver the expertise required to deal with high-risk warrant services, incidents involving armed and barricaded suspects, suicidal persons, and high-profile saturation patrol.

In May of 1999 the Team attended the California S.W.A.T. Competitions in Bakersfield, competed against 24 other agencies, and finished in First Place, returning to Tracy as State Champions. The Team had competed in Bakersfield one year earlier, and had ranked Fifth Place, in the Overall Team Competition. In 2001, the Team returned a third time to Bakersfield, and was awarded a Fourth Place, in the Overall Team Competition.

Any correspondence to the Team should be directed to the Team Commander, Lieutenant Greg Farmanian, at (209) 831-4536.