The New Jersey Police Chief Magazine | September 2023
Continued from previous page
DON ” T FORGET ABOUT TRAINING
Finally , it ’ s important to point out that team success can ’ t be achieved without adequate training . For those of us in public safety , training started in the military , during college , trade school , or in the academy . This is another reason why continuing education is so important for all team members . Baker and his colleagues note team training as “ the most widely applied strategy to improve team performance .”[ 4 ] Their research identified training as an effective means of reducing the negative effects associated with a hierarchy because training develops assertiveness and mutual trust within the team . Both attributes allow team members to admit mistakes , while accepting and appreciating the feedback that results .
Kozlowski and Ilgen conclude that “ teams that learn more collectively will demonstrate enhanced effectiveness .”[ 5 ] Make sure to invest the appropriate amount of time in resources into good quality training . Enhancing employee knowledge is a given . Teamwork enhanced through training also fulfills our employees ’ social needs , as Khawam et al note : “ The feeling of being included , being a part of something , can not only create a trust between team members to provide for a strong support system , but can also create a more open and comfortable working environment for all .”[ 6 ]
As inspirational speaker and author Simon Sinek point out , “ A team is not a group of people that work together . A team is a group of people that trust each other .”
TAILORING TEAMWORK : SWAT LEADERS ’ APPROACH TO SPECIFIC MISSIONS
1 . Hostage rescue : In hostage rescue situations , every second counts , and communication breakdowns can be fatal . Emphasize how early experiences in sports and the military translate to the importance of seamless teamwork .
Stress that in hostage rescue missions , the ability to adapt dynamically to evolving situations , coordinate tactics and maintain clear communication with the team is paramount .
2 . Active shooter responses : Active shooter incidents require SWAT teams to respond swiftly and decisively . Highlight the need for dynamic social interactions , shared goals , distributed expertise and clearly assigned roles .
Explain that in active shooter scenarios , teamwork is essential for minimizing casualties and neutralizing threats efficiently . The team must quickly adapt to the changing environment and work cohesively to protect innocent lives .
3 . High-risk warrant service : For high-risk warrant service operations , stress the importance of commitment to shared goals and interdependence within the team .
Highlight how SWAT teams , when executing high-risk warrants , must rely on each other ’ s specialized skills and trust in their colleagues to ensure mission success and safety .
4 . Crisis negotiations : Crisis negotiation situations require unique communication skills . Encourage the development of interpersonal skills and commitment to learning within the team .
Stress that in negotiations with barricaded suspects or emotionally distressed individuals , SWAT teams must effectively communicate and build trust to peacefully resolve crises . In summary , adapting the principles of teamwork , the four key characteristics of successful teams , and ongoing training apply directly to the unique challenges of various SWAT missions .
References
1 . Schmutz JB , Meier L , Manser T . ( 2019 ). How effective is teamwork really ? The relationship between teamwork and performance in healthcare teams : a systematic review and meta-analysis . BMJ Open . 9 ( 9 ). 2 . Haas M , Mortensen M . ( 2016 ). The Secrets of Great Teamwork . Harvard Business Review . 3 . Weir K . ( 2018 ). What makes teams work ? American Psychological Association , 49 ( 8 ): 46 . 4 . Baker D , Day R , Salas R . ( 2006 ). Teamwork as an Essential Component of High-Reliability Organizations . Health Services Research . 41 ( 4 Pt 2 ): 1576 – 1598 . 5 . Kozlowski S , Ilgen D . ( 2006 ). Enhancing the Effectiveness of Work Groups and Teams . Psychological Science in the Public Interest . 7 ( 3 ): 77 – 124 . 6 . Khawam A , DiDona T , Hernandez B . ( 2017 ). Effectiveness of Teamwork in the Workplace . International Journal of Sciences ; Basic and Applied Research . 32 ( 3 ): 267 – 286 . 7 . Tarricone P , Luca J . ( 2002 ). Successful teamwork : A case study . HERDSA 2002 : 640 – 646 .
About the Author : Captain Rex M . Scism ( Ret .), is a 32-year law enforcement veteran and former director of research and development for the Missouri State Highway Patrol . He also had a successful military career , retiring from the Missouri Army National Guard after 20 years of service . Mr . Scism served as a public safety and private sector consultant and instructor for over 20 years . He formerly served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Criminal Justice for both Columbia College and the University of Central Missouri , and is a frequent contributor to multiple sources about various public safety topics . Mr . Scism , is a graduate of the FBI National Academy ’ s 249th Session and currently serves as a content developer for Lexipol .
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