The first meeting of the Pinal County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Oversight Committee was held on Jan. 27th. The committee which includes; Coolidge Mayor Tom Shope, Florence Police Chief Bob Ingulli, Casa Grande Assistant Police Chief Don Daniels, Maricopa Police Lieutenant Willie Payne and Committee Chairman, PCSO Chief Deputy Steve Henry will be tasked with assessing and identifying equipment and training needs, restoring standards through the development of policy and standard operating procedures and will recommend a permanent SWAT Commander to lead the team. All members of the committee have met personally with Sheriff Babeu and Interim SWAT Commander, Eloy Capitan Shane Blakeman and are prepared and committed to work together to restore standards to a team whose reputation has been damaged. “This is yet another step in the restoration of accountability and a fundamental part of the re-building of an exemplary team.” Sheriff Babeu said.
During the meeting Capitan Shane Blakeman outlined the measures he has already taken to improve team operations. One such measure is the implementation of a reporting system to ensure effective communication with participating agency heads. Blakeman explained this process which includes the sending of a report to the participating agency heads following each training session and SWAT callout. Chief Bob Ingulli stated, “I have received more communication regarding SWAT in the past three weeks than I had in the last five years.” Blakeman also informed the committee that he has started assessing and tracking team training. “Perishable skills need to be practiced and training needs to be consistent and recorded” commented Chief Steve Henry.
An independent committee assigned to review PCSO SWAT Policies and Procedures following the tragic death of Casa Grande Police Sergeant Tate Lynch listed numerous deficiencies and made specific recommendations for improvements. “The report is clear in terms of our many failings” commented Sheriff Babeu. “We shall honor Sgt. Tate Lynch through more than just words. We will honor him by our actions. It is our job to ensure our SWAT team is properly trained, fully equipped and has disciplined leaders who are qualified. Our citizens and our SWAT team expect, deserve and shall get nothing less.”