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Lt. Joe Faulkner is the Commander of the Hays County SWAT Team (as well as several other duties he manages within the organization. He, along with fellow officers, Shane and Scott, shared some very interesting facts about our SWAT Team.
* SWAT Team was formed in 1994 by then Sheriff Don Montague
* In 1999, the San Marcos Police Department joined the organization
* The San Marcos Fire Marshall has a Tactical Medic on the team
* The team is slotted for up to 24 members, currently at 21 members
* Training is conducted at least 2 times per month (1 time per month the entire unit trains together
* Unit consists of 3 assault squads and 1 sniper squad
* SWAT averages 10-20 call outs per year - have gone 6 months with no call
* Before rolling out on a call, the team utilizes a very thorough Threat Matrix considering the following:
* The person
* The offense
* The location
* The time frame
*The Mental Health Team is utilized for special situations that do not include Mental Health
* Barricade Situations - Armed, has a position o advantage, and engaged in criminal offense
* Warrants
* Hostage rescue
* Dignitary protection
Hays County has a specialized unit for Mental Health Unit that contains 2 highly trained mental health officers, This team is called out typically after the first responders have identified the need. Mental health calls are the toughest ones and departments all across the country are trying to transition away from using SWAT teams and move toward First Responder training and specialized units.
Hays County has a K-9 Unit with 1 dog, Rocky, a Dutch Shepherd, who serves a dual role as patrol canine (searching for narcotics) and people apprehension. Rocky is called out for high profile felony work and always accompanies the SWAT team when called out. The San Marcos Police Department has 2 dogs and conducts training for Hays County. Rocky trains at least 4 hours per week in each of his dual disciplines (8 hours per week total).
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