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| Standard Operating Procedures |
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C-SWAT operatives are totally dedicated to the job that they do, and they take their work very seriously. The best way to get into a fight with an operative is to belittle his job, but this is usually an unwise decision because operatives tend to spend a lot of time together. Where you find one, you will likely find many. They are completely loyal individuals, and trying to buy one off will not only get you arrested but will likely put you in a hospital with a broken arm. While in operations, SPAR teams seek out their suspects with extreme prejudice. The suspects that they engage are referred to as ‘targets’, and although a SPAR team will make an arrest or ‘capture’ if possible, they will not hesitate to kill if their target places anyone’s life in danger, operative or otherwise. They often follow the code of "Hit Hard, Hit Fast, and Shoot to Kill."
Any hostile situations that the police are involved in are closely monitored by the C-SWAT unit Executive Officer (XO). If there is any possibility that the on-duty SPAR team will be called in, the team leader will often be alerted by the XO and he will monitor the situation as well. The XO has direct contact with the officer in charge of an operation before C-SWAT becomes involved and may recommend a course of action. The Executive Officer can mobilize his or her unit if the situation becomes severe, but usually will wait until requested.
SPAR team operatives remain in their uniforms until they receive a call, at which time they will head to the equipment racks and gear up in their armor. They will each take their weapons and head down to the hangar, which is usually directly below the lounge, quickly accessible via a fire pole. The pilot will fire up the AV-11 as soon as he or she gets strapped in, and the operatives will board, securing their weapons in the overhead racks before taking their seats. The team leader will usually be the last on board and will ensure that everyone is accounted for before the AV takes off. The Executive Officer will brief the operatives on the way to the location and the team leader will then assign teams, usually two operatives in each, and will use the onboard computer to pull up building diagrams or street layouts for the operatives to view.
C-SWAT will take control of operations as soon as they arrive in a situation. The senior ranking C-SWAT officer becomes the Operations Director, and it is he or she that makes all the calls in the operation. They take command of everyone in the vicinity to include civilians, medical personnel, and even the media. Anyone refusing to comply with a direct order from the Operations Director (usually a Major) is potentially a threat to the operation and may be placed under immediate arrest. In most cases, the Operations Director will remain in the surveillance vehicle to monitor the progress of the SPAR team, and the law enforcement officials will take command of the goings on outside. In most situations in which C-SWAT becomes involved, a Central Mobile Command and Control Center (Protect and Serve) will already be on scene, and the Operations Director will take control of this vehicle. In other situations, the modified AV-11 may be used, or C-SWAT has it’s own command vehicle that may be utilized, if time allows it to be brought to the scene.
C-SWAT always has a heavy assault AV to call upon in the event of an emergency requiring massive amounts of firepower. An AV-9 is always deployed when a SPAR team is heading out to an operation. It will escort the AV-11 to the location, provide security during the operation, and maintain radio contact with the Operations Director and team leader. In the event of an emergency, the team can call upon the AV’s awesome firepower and precision weapon systems to get them out of a bind. While incapable of performing medical evacuations, the AV-9 will escort and cover any medevac vehicles that may be called into action.
While in operations, SPAR teams will react swiftly, tactically, and forcefully. The Operations Director and team leader determine operation goals, and while capture of the target will usually be the primary objective, operatives will not hesitate to neutralize (or kill) the target if he or she endangers any lives. In some cases operatives will be under the orders to neutralize a target from the very start of an operation if the unit psychologist has determined that the target is in such an advanced state of cyberpsychosis that rehabilitation is not possible. The team sniper usually carries out the responsibility in these situations.
Medical personnel are not permitted to enter a scene until the target has been neutralized or captured by the SPAR team and the area has been made clear and safe for entry. Even if there are injured parties requiring attention, the SPAR team will assess the situation and provide any necessary first aid. The team medic may be called upon to assist if injuries are severe, and if immediate medical attention is needed, one or two operatives will remove the injured party from the ‘hot’ zone to a location where medics can provide proper care. Placing medics lives in danger by allowing them to enter a scene which has not been cleared is a sure-fire way for an Operation Director to receive a black mark from the Unit Commander. SPAR team operatives will remove or secure any civilians at a scene, if possible, before attempting any action against the target.
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