SWAT & Crisis Negotiators

Southern Maine Regional SWAT

Background

The Department is fortunate to have a highly skilled group of officers who volunteer to be a part of the Police SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics). In 2009 The department entered into a partnership with Scarborough and Cape Elizabeth to Form the Southern Maine Regional (SMR) SWAT Team.

The team, comprised of officers and Medics, is made up of officers from:

• South Portland
• Scarborough
• Cape Elizabeth

The SMR SWAT team works very closely with our counterparts in the Regional Crisis Negotiating team from the same departments.

Duties

This team is assigned to some of the most dangerous situations in which officer assistance is required. Although members are in top physical condition and trained to use a variety of weapons, these officers are just as skilled at methods of communication designed to de-escalate problems to ensure a safe resolution to any crisis. Officers receive between 150 to 192 hours of training each year. Training topics include:

• Weapon Skills
• Physical Fitness
• Building Clearing
• Dealing with Mental Illness
• Legal Issues
• First Aid

Team Members

South Portland Police Department