In a nutshell
Grapevine City Council approved up to $19,000 during a March 18 meeting for the regional SWAT force which operates in Euless, Bedford, Hurst and Grapevine. Each city provides up to $19,000 annually for NETCAST’s budget which covers training, equipment and operating costs, according to a staff memo.
The funds provided from each city will be used for a mix of training and equipment costs, Grapevine Police Chief Mike Hamlin said. Equipment includes:
- Uniforms
- Ammunition
- Targets and gun range supplies
- Ballistic helmets and shields
- Gas masks and filters
- Communication supplies
- Medical equipment and supplies
The details
The regional SWAT team was formed in 2012 and responds to specific calls in a 72-square-mile area, Hamlin said. The regional team was formed as a way to share resources between each city’s police department while reducing overall costs, he said.
It consists of eight operators and four crisis negotiators from each city led by a commander and three assistant commanders.
NETCAST responds to the following types of calls:
- Hostage rescue
- Barricaded person
- High-risk search/arrest warrant
- Riots/disturbances
- Dignitary protection
NETCAST personnel train 16 hours a month in tactics and firearms, according to a staff presentation. Once a year, the team trains with outside instructors for a full week at Fort Cavazos or Fort Hood.
