The Importance of Understanding Team Structure

A significant finding from surveys indicates that around 78% of law enforcement agencies in California operate as part-time SWAT teams, which presents unique challenges in training and operations. Leaders are encouraged to focus not on wishing for full-time capabilities but on maximizing the effectiveness and training opportunities available within part-time structures. Despite common perceptions that full-time teams may perform consistently better, part-time teams are held to the same mission expectations by their communities. The emphasis here is on leveraging the limited training time and resources effectively to maintain proficiency and preparedness.