For the past 10 months, the Acadia Parish Sheriff’s Office has been making changes that serve the public and the deputy’s needs, Sheriff KP Gibson said in a news release.
One of the adjustments has been the SWAT team.
“Our goal has been to create a total team which can handle not only tactical but also focusing on all aspects of SWAT. This included adding a negotiation team as well as snipers. This way were have the total package to serve our community as well as assist area law enforcement should the need arise” Gibson stated.
Last week, members of the tactical team joined the Lafayette Police Department for two days of training scenarios at Folk Polk.
“Our goal was to work with a team who could provide insight to where our team was training wise as well as working with an outside agency to help each other learn various tactics” Gibson stated. “I was very pleased with the report I received from the respective commanders. Our personnel also felt like it was an extremely successful training”.
Deputies serve their main jobs in patrol, investigations or corrections and being a member of the SWAT team comes with hard work, many sacrifices and low pay, Gibson stated. Each member of the team must complete a physical fitness assessment, be an above average marksman and most of all must be a team player.
“I have watched for months as the members of our SWAT team stay after their work duties to train for this team. They are willing to do what it takes and continue to improve as one team. I appreciate their hard work and dedication for our parish” Gibson stated.