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The Newark Police Department’s SWAT Team participated in Urban Shield 2013, a planned training exercise along with other local, national, and international first responder agencies. This event was held last weekend. This 48 hour exercise assisted tactical teams as well as all first responders, to prepare for and provide a unified response to disasters and major emergencies. Urban Shield challenged the skills, knowledge and abilities of all who participated. It not only improves regional disaster response capabilities, but provides a platform for national and international first responders, as well as the private sector, to work efficiently and effectively together when critical incidents occur.

Congratulations go out to our SWAT Team for their outstanding performance in this year’s challenge. Team Newark finished in the top ten again this year out of the 34 competing teams. The team handled 36 critical incidents over the 48 hour event. Police Chief James Leal commented, “Having personally witnessed our team handling these difficult scenarios and some of the grueling physical challenges, I couldn’t be more proud and confident that our team is prepared to handle any incident that we might encounter in Newark.” Chief Leal added, “This is a true testament to the quality of the people we have here in Newark.”

The Department also hosted one of the scenarios that simulated a bioterrorism attack here in the city. Feedback received from Alameda County Sheriffs Office, the various dignitaries who viewed the scenario, and from the participating SWAT Teams was that Newark’s scenario was one of the best in terms of realism, tactics, operations, and professionalism of the staff on site.

A huge thank you goes out to the Sergeants, Officers, Dispatchers, Police Reserves, RAVEN Volunteers, Special Assistants, Explorers, and Cadets who all made this event a success!