LAPD SWAT Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1969

December 9, 1969, saw the newly-formed SWAT unit serve a search warrant for illegal weapons at the headquarters building of the Black Panthers, an extremist, black superiority terrorist organization. A four-hour fire-fight ensued, resulting in injuries to three officers and three Panthers; the Black Panthers eventually - and wisely - surrendered.

Answer: Darryl F. Gates

Chief Gates retired in 1992, after a long, successful career. He was replaced by Willie L. Williams, the Department's 50th chief, and their first black chief.

Answer: Special Weapons and Tactics

The SWAT concept was soon copied by departments across the country and indeed, the world, although SWAT units outside the US - and NYPD's - are usually known by different names. The Toronto Police Service, for example, fields the 'Emergency Task Force'.

Answer: D Platoon

In 1971, Metropolitan Division was organized into 'A', 'B', 'C', and 'D' platoons. SWAT was given the 'D' platoon designation, and formally adopted the acronym SWAT at the same time.

Answer: 5

An element leader, a scout, a rear guard, and two assaulters.

Answer: Element

SWAT as a whole is a "team." Assault - and sniper - teams are 'elements.'

Answer: False

The entrance examinations are brutal, and one must have served at least five years in the LAPD to join. Women, of course, are permitted, though as of July 7, 2003, none had passed the entrance requirements, which are identical for both genders.

Answer: Kimber TLE 1911

Until 1984, it was also the issue sidearm of the US Army. LAPD uses a customized Springfield Armoury version with beavertail grips, a combat hammer, an eight-round .45 ACP magazine, and a SureFire tactical light.

Answer: Heckler and Koch MP5

Considered by many to be the finest submachinegun on the planet, this German subgun is lightweight, rugged, incredibly accurate, and boasts a 30 round magazine. It's chambered in a 9x19mm parabellum, and has a cyclic rate of 900 round per minute. The MP5A2, the model LAPD SWAT uses, sports a solid stock, and a safe/semi-auto/automatic firing selector. Unlike some units, LAPD SWAT does not use magazine clamps, as they hinder accuracy and balance.

Answer: Benelli M1 Super 90

The M1 Super 90 holds 5 rounds, feeding from a tube magazine and is semi-automatic. It will take all 12-gauge rounds up to 3" long, and SWAT often uses powdered steel rounds to breach doors without threat of injury to anyone on the other side. Other common rounds are 00 buckshot and solid slugs.

Answer: paid suspension

Naturally, any time an LAPD SWAT officer discharges his firearm "in anger," a thorough investigation is conducted. Most of the time, the shooting is deemed in-policy, and the officer is soon back on duty.

Answer: disable

Not to kill, as is sometimes thought. They're not the military, and use the minimum amount of force needed to neutralize a dangerous situation. Bad guys are sometimes killed, but only as a last resort. SWAT officers will often sit around for hours on call-ups while the Crisis Negotiation Team talks with the suspects.

Answer: crime suppression

While performing their "crime suppression" duties, SWAT officers carry their SWAT gear so they can quickly assemble and respond to a call-up, if necessary.

Answer: Rules of Engagement

SWAT officers are only permitted to use deadly force - defined as a level of force likely to cause death or serious injury to a human - when the life of a hostage, civilian, or fellow SWAT officer is in imminent danger. Though they use equipment and tactics similar to those used by the armed forces, they are police officers, and are restricted in their use of deadly force by that. Deadly force can only be used after all possible alternatives have been exhausted, or are not possible - ie. if a suspect goes 'gun up' when the element locates him.

Answer: stealth and dynamic

Dynamic entries - via battering rams, shotgun breaches, or explosives, are often needed; when CNT negotiation fails, stalls, or is terminated by the suspects, or when serving certain warrants, such as those for drugs, which can be destroyed if not located and secured immediately. SWAT maintains an armoured vehicle for the purpose of breaching fortified structures, such as crack houses. It was purchased from the Department of Energy for a dollar, and SWAT armourers added a metal pole with a 2x3' plate, on which a smiley face was painted.

I hope you enjoyed this informative quiz about the world's premier police special weapons and tactics unit. If you're interested, I highly recommend Sierra's "SWAT 3: Close Quarters Battle", on PC CD-ROM.