Action 8.
Regular Board of Supervisors Meeting
County Sheriff
- Meeting Date:
- 09/26/2023
- Title:
- Regional SWAT Agreements
- Submitted By:
- Curtis Wilkins, County Sheriff
- Department:
- County Sheriff
Presentation:
No A/V Presentation
Recommendation:
Approve
Document Signatures:
BOS Signature Required
# of ORIGINALS
Submitted for Signature:
Submitted for Signature:
2
NAME
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Curtis Wilkins
TITLE
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
Lieutenant
Docket Number (If applicable):
Mandated Function?:
Not Mandated
Source of Mandate
or Basis for Support?:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Approve Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Cochise County and City of Benson, AZ, for the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office to provide Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) related trainings to the City law enforcement, fire department and emergency medical services, as well as mutual aid assistance, with an initial term of 5 years, effective September 26, 2023.
Background:
The mission of law enforcement continues to evolve in response to the ever changing tactics of the criminal element. Law Enforcement resources are continually stretched beyond their intended purpose and agencies must find ways to create resource multipliers to deal with these changes. The intention of this agreement between local first responders is to augment each department's equipment and staffing by combining our personnel and equipment for specific mission-based needs. A majority of the smaller agencies do not have the resources to support a SWAT Team but they still face challenges that require the use of a SWAT Team.
Cochise County SWAT is available to any agency who request help but we also recognize other agencies have talented personnel and resources that can make the team a greater resource to everyone. By allowing other agencies the opportunity to earn a place on the SWAT Team, we can increase the personnel and capabilities of the team. This will improve all participants with better training and understanding on how to handle volatile situations which would otherwise exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement first responders.
There are no anticipated cost increases for Cochise County.
Cochise County SWAT is available to any agency who request help but we also recognize other agencies have talented personnel and resources that can make the team a greater resource to everyone. By allowing other agencies the opportunity to earn a place on the SWAT Team, we can increase the personnel and capabilities of the team. This will improve all participants with better training and understanding on how to handle volatile situations which would otherwise exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement first responders.
There are no anticipated cost increases for Cochise County.
Department's Next Steps (if approved):
If approved, we will move forward in expanding the SWAT Team to a Tier 1 team by National Tactical Officers Association standards. We will continue to reach out to all local agencies and encourage participation.
Impact of NOT Approving/Alternatives:
If not approved, we will revert to our current practice of operating independently of other agencies. We will remain a smaller Tier 2 team with limited abilities at our current staffing levels.
To BOS Staff: Document Disposition/Follow-Up:
If approved, please return signed copies to Lt. Wilkins for dissemination to Benson and Bisbee Police Departments.