Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Safety Swat topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council unanimously approves MOU to remain in Douglas County regional SWAT team
Summary
The council approved ordinance 1.642 on second reading to continue Parker’s participation in the Douglas County regional SWAT team. Staff said Parker provides six members to the team and that the team trains regularly for high-risk warrants, barricades and active-shooter responses.
Parker — The Parker Town Council on March 3 approved ordinance number 1.642 on second reading to authorize Parker’s continued participation in the Douglas County regional SWAT team under a memorandum of understanding with Douglas County, Lone Tree and Castle Rock.
Commander Jim Prior (presenting for the department) said Parker currently has six members on the regional SWAT team, including the tactical commander and officers serving as a team leader, operators, a sniper and a negotiator. “SWAT is a lifesaving organization,” he said, adding the team trains twice a month on scenarios including active-shooter response, high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspects and hostage situations.
Council members asked how often the team was called out in 2024; the presenter said he would confirm the exact count but estimated roughly 14–15 callouts that year, noting the cadence can cluster in busy months. Council members expressed support for continued participation, saying the team’s tactics and training increase safety for both residents and officers.
Councilmember Hefta moved approval of ordinance 1.642 on second reading; the motion was seconded and the council approved the ordinance unanimously. The ordinance notes the town’s ongoing involvement and the operational benefits of having trained specialists available for high‑risk incidents.
Notes: Presentation emphasized training frequency, the team’s lifesaving purpose and Parker’s equipment and budget contributions for members assigned to SWAT.
