Tactical Unit

BACKGROUND
In 1982, the Jackson Police Department recognized the need for a specially trained unit to deal with high-risk situations.

UNIT MISSION
The primary objective or mission of the Jackson Police Department Tactical Unit is the resolution of high-risk situations with minimum use of force, personal injury or property damage. The following are types of situations handled by the Tactical Unit:

• Hostage Situations
  
• Barricade Situations
  
• Sniper Situations
  
• High Risk Search/Arrest Warrant Service
  
• VIP Security
  
• Special Assignment duties as directed by the Patrol Division Commander

UNIT ORGANIZATION:
The Tactical Unit is an attachment of the Patrol Division and is responsible to the Patrol Division Commander. The Tactical Unit consists of six (6) full-time members and eight (8) part-time members. A Lieutenant commands the Unit, with the second in command being a Sergeant. Officers assigned to this Unit will be required to meet rigorous standards in the area of physical fitness and weapon skills. Members must be capable of using specialized equipment and carrying out a tactical operation plan. The requirements to obtain a full time position are two (2) full years with the department and rigorous testing in physical fitness and weapon skills. The requirements to obtain a part time position are completion of the FTO program and rigorous testing in physical fitness and weapon skills. Each member of the Tactical Unit has a primary duty to perform; however, all members are cross-trained in all positions. Positions utilized in the Tactical Unit are as follows:

• Commander
  
• Executive Officer
  
• Counter-sniper
  
• Scout/Spotter
  
• Intermediate Range Support
  
• Entry Team

EQUIPMENT:
The Tactical Unit is equipped and trained with a vast array of specialized equipment. The specialized equipment is designed and used to hopefully bring about a peaceful resolution to the high-risk situations. The following is a list of some of the specialized equipment utilized by the Tactical Unit:

• Chemical Agents
  
• Explosives
  
• Automatic Weapons
  
• Ballistic Shields
  
• Etc.

SUMMARY:
The Tactical Unit is a group of highly motivated and dedicated officers that function as a team. The team concept is highly stressed within the Tactical Unit and this is a key to the Unit's success. Membership on the Tactical Unit and the right to wear the Scorpion Logos is considered an honor and cherished by current and past members.