Item 4DCITY OF
SOUTHLAKE
MEMORANDUM
July 6, 2010
TO: Shana Yelverton, City Manager
FROM: Robert Finn, Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to execute an
Interlocal Agreement with the Cities of Colleyville, Keller,
Roanoke, and Watauga, Texas to create and operate a jointly
controlled Special Weapons and Tactical Team (SWAT)
Action Requested: City Council consideration of a resolution authorizing the
Mayor to execute an Interlocal Agreement with the Cities
of Colleyville, Keller, Roanoke, and Watauga, Texas,
authorizing the formation of the North Tarrant Regional
(NTR) SWAT Team.
Background
Information: The City of Keller has been operating a Special Weapons
and Tactical (SWAT) team since 1986. This team has
functioned as a part -time tactical team since inception.
The City of Southlake currently has no SWAT team and
would rely on neighboring communities to assist if an
incident occurred which required the deployment of a
tactical team.
In January, 2009 the cities of Colleyville, Keller, Roanoke
and Southlake began meeting to discuss forming a
regional SWAT team as Keller was the only city operating
a team and was being asked to respond to assist during
high -risk incidents like barricaded subjects and felony
arrest warrant service. This response was handled under
existing Mutual Aid Agreements. The Keller Team
required time to assemble and respond as specially
trained members would be called in for the response. Our
cities recognize the benefits of having a regional
approach to this specialized law enforcement service. By
each city training a few personnel it would ensure the
ability to deploy the SWAT team more quickly as
members from each shift could be trained to respond to
high risk incidents.
C! gal
Shana Yelverton
Regional SWAT
Page 2 of 2
Financial
Considerations:
Currently the cities of Keller, Roanoke, and Watauga
have committed staff to the regional SWAT team.
Colleyville and Southlake plan to begin training existing
patrol personnel to be functional members of the team
over the next two years. With this regional approach to
training and response the City of Southlake will benefit by
being better prepared for actual incidents, improving
manpower at high risk scenes, and minimizing any
financial impact on our community.
None at this time. The cost for training existing personnel
and purchasing required equipment is included in the
FY2011 CCPD budget in the amount of $9,016.
Financial Impact: The ongoing financial impact is minimal as the regional
concept utilizes existing personnel and equipment.
Training beyond the initial SWAT school will be budgeted
as part of the normal operating budget in Police Services.
Citizen Input/
Board Review: There has been no citizen input or Board Review.
Legal Review: The City Attorney has reviewed the Interlocal Agreement.
Alternatives: Alternatives may include the following:
• Approving as presented
• Decision not to approve
• Other course of action as directed by the City Council
Supporting
Documents: Supporting documents include the following items:
• Proposed Resolution
• Interlocal Agreement (Appendix "A ")
Staff
Recommendation: Staff recommendation to City Council is to authorize the
Mayor to execute the Interlocal Agreement with the Cities
of Colleyville, Keller, Roanoke, and Watauga, Texas,
authorizing the formation of the North Tarrant Regional
SWAT Team.
H 12m,