Journal of Law and Criminal Justice

Special Weapons and Tactics Operations: Examining the Effects of Differential Police Training on Hostage Rescue Effectiveness
Avdi S. Avdija, Ph.D.

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to test the effects of differential police training on hostage rescue effectiveness. More specifically, this study looks at the types of police trainings that are the most effective in preparing SWAT officers in dealing with hostage rescue situations. The analyses are based on a national sample of 341 law enforcement agencies, which employed at least 50 sworn officers. To improve the SWAT response effectiveness in hostage rescue situations, this study shows that two factors play a significant role; namely, the training for hostage rescue situations and an increase in the average training hours per month. Among the types of trainings that were thought to be effective but did not show a significant effect in this present study were training for crowd control/civil unrest, having military training, and training for building searches.

Full Text: PDF     DOI: 10.15640/jlcj.v4n2a2