Tactical Team Leader
Equipment List
  • Business casual
  • Laptop computer
  • Note-taking materials
  • Policy Manual, Operations Manual, etc.
IMPORTANT: Carrying a SIG P320 or variant? Unload before entering any training area.
Eligibility

All sworn first responders from state, federal, or local agencies, including OPOTC-certified peace officers, deputies, and troopers employed full- or part-time by an Ohio law enforcement agency.

 

Description

This course prepares current and future SWAT leaders, negotiators, supervisors, and patrol officers to manage critical incidents through contemporary tactics and procedures. Training includes warrant planning, small team operations, and critical incident reviews. Participants engage in discussions, operations orders, training plan development, and tactical critiques, reinforcing principled decision-making under pressure.

Target Audience

  • SWAT/SRT Leadership
  • Future Team Leaders
  • Crisis Negotiators
  • Current Supervisors
  • New Supervisors
  • ALL who respond to critical incidents

Topics Include

  • Legal Update
  • Risk Mitigation
  • Record Keeping
  • Operations Manual
  • Policy & Procedures
  • Threat Assessments
  • Leadership Principals
  • Training & Equipment
  • Standards & Selection
  • Suicidal & EDP Response
  • Debriefs & After Actions
  • Civil Disturbances & Rioting
  • Critical Incident Decision-Making
  • Contemporary Response Planning
  • Barricades - High-Risk Warrants - Hostage Rescue

Also Covered

  • Justifying specialized teams or "SWAT" teams
  • The use of specialized teams
  • SWAT standards and professionalism
  • Contemporary SWAT issues and concerns
  • SWAT and the media
  • Discipline and removal of SWAT team members
  • Crisis negotiation teams
  • Tactical operation centers
  • Operations planning
  • Weapons and equipment selection
Student Goals

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Lead and manage tactical operations using principle-based decision-making.
  • Write effective operations orders and develop comprehensive tactical plans.
  • Conduct threat assessments and apply risk mitigation strategies.
  • Review and critique real-world incidents to improve future response.
  • Understand legal updates, policy development, and documentation standards.
  • Coordinate with crisis negotiators, patrol, and command staff during critical incidents.
  • Maintain and enforce SWAT team standards, selection processes, and professionalism.
  • Select appropriate weapons, gear, and technology for mission readiness.
  • Design and implement training plans aligned with operational objectives.
Class Schedule

Start Time: Each day begins promptly at 8:00 AM. The course spans a minimum of 8 hours per day and is structured to ensure comprehensive coverage over multiple days.

Note: Students will receive a scheduled lunch break; however, lunch will not be provided. Please plan accordingly and bring your own food and beverages.

Medical

If you are allergic to bees, outdoor plants, or animals, please bring your epinephrine pen or other medication.

Life-threatening allergies and pre-existing injuries or conditions must be reported to the OTOA training staff on day one of training.

Lodging, Travel, and Meals

Attendees are responsible for their ammunition, lodging, transportation, and food.

This 40-hour course is designed for law enforcement SWAT Team Leaders. It is not about tactics, but rather the fundamental doctrinal principles from which all tactics are derived. The concepts, principles, and methodologies discussed have universal applications and can be applied to any unfolding dynamic tactical problem regardless of the size or nature of the event. Skills learned will be reinforced through a series of case studies, games, and practical exercises. Instruction consists of classroom discussion, student involvement by way of group exercises, table top exercises, presentations, and case reviews of tactical incidents. This course focuses on tactical decision-making as well as the guidelines of Penal Code Section 13514.1 and the POST SWAT Operational Guidelines and Standardized Training Recommendations (2019). Please DO NOT bring any weapons or tactical equipment to this course.