Special Weapons And Tactics Team

The RPD SWAT Team was formed in July of 1998. Our primary mission is to respond to high risk situations to prevent the loss of life or injury. The RPD SWAT Team is utilized for serving high risk search or arrest warrants, hostage rescues, barricaded subjects, armed, suicidal subjects, and dignitary protection if requested. The SWAT Team is on call 24 hours a day and respond to calls out as directed by the Police Administration. The SWAT Team averages 12 calls out per year. .

The RPD SWAT Team has 15 members; 12 officers for the entry team, one of which is our K-9 Rex. We are accompanied by two Snipers and one TEMS officer (Tactical Emergency Medic). Our TEMS Officer volunteers his time on the SWAT Team. All officers on the SWAT Team serve dual roles within the Police Department as Patrol Officers, Investigators, and Supervisor.

The SWAT Team has one mobile equipment van which is used as transport for training, missions, or it can be used as a mobile command post. All SWAT Officers are issued protective equipment and special weapons. We are also equipped with less lethal options, irritant agents, and distractive devices.

All RPD SWAT Officers are selected from the volunteer officers of the Richmond, Indiana Police Department. Officers are eligible after three years of service on RPD. All SWAT Officers must complete an agility test annually and are required to maintain a high level of physical fitness and above average proficiency with their firearms. The RPD SWAT Team trains monthly. All SWAT Officers have received specific training in SWAT operations and the use of our specialized equipment.

The RPD SWAT Team is available to outside area agencies when mutual aid is requested.

Crisis Negotiations Team

The RPD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) was formed in 1988. The primary mission of the RPD CNT is to respond to crisis incidents in order to negotiate with barricaded subjects and hostage takers for the peaceful resolution of the crisis situation.

The RPD Crisis Negotiation Team consists of six officers trained in human psychology, active listening techniques, mental illnesses and dealing with those who are mentally ill, as well as a host of other areas dealing with human behavior. Like the SWAT Team, the Crisis Negotiation Team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is activated by either the Administration or by an RPD Supervisor. The CNT averages 3 call-outs per year.

All RPD CNT Officers are selected from volunteers from the Richmond Indiana Police Department. Officers are eligible after three years of service on the Richmond Police Department. Before an officer can act as a Primary Negotiator, the officer must have had at a minimum 40 hours of Basic Negotiations training from an established school, and must submit to psychological examination. The CNT uses specialized equipment to assist in its goal of bringing people out peacefully, and all CNT officers receive specialized training in utilization of that equipment.

The RPD CNT is available to outside area agencies when mutual aid is requested.

Should you have any questions concerning the Crisis Negotiations Team, contact the Team Leader, Sgt. Chris Taylor, at ctaylor@ci.richmond.in.us