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Published on 10/12/1998 All articles from this issue

City police form S.W.A.T. team

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By Joanne Griffith Domingue / Town Crier Staff Writer

The Los Altos Police Department recently formed a special weapons and tactics group, known as a S.W.A.T. team.

"We realized we won't get help from our neighbors," said Los Altos Police Capt. Cliff Balch. "We have a safe community. But on two occasions - most recently on Ranchita Court in February (when a resident, who had been drinking, fired a gun through the walls and ceiling of his house and was charged with a felony) - we had a barricaded, armed situation."

Los Altos considered contracting with the county sheriff's department for a S.W.A.T. team.

"But they'd do it only if the city released them of all liability," Balch said.

That was unacceptable to the police because the city would lose all control in a "high hazard, high liability" situation, when "we may want to handle it differently," Balch said.

The police have received about $15,000 in grant money, that was approved at an Oct. 13 city council meeting. The funds are from the Local Law Enforcement Block Grant Program and the Office of Criminal Justice Planning.

Because of the city's low rate of violent crimes, Los Altos did not qualify for a direct award. Instead it was awarded this discretionary money, said Police Chief Lucy Carlton in a report.

The money will be used to buy special weapons, such as submachine guns, protective clothing, training and tear gas.

The last tear gas the police had "expired in 1968," Balch said.

A S.W.A.T. team is something "you hope you never use, but if you need it, you need it," Balch said.

The eight S.W.A.T. officers will receive extensive, regular training, Balch said.

This will provide an added benefit throughout the police force, said Los Altos Mayor Kris Casto.