DELAWARE STATE POLICE TACTICAL CONTROL UNIT

Lieutenant Michael J. Wysock

The Tactical Control Unit (TCU) is currently made up of 32 sworn troopers who staff the unit on a part-time basis in addition to their regular duties. The mission of TCU is to provide the division with a trained response to mass protest events, civil disturbances, labor strikes, mass arrest events and to provide an added police presence at large scale events throughout the state. TCU is also responsible for providing security for any CDC Strategic National Stockpile deployments.

During 2009, TCU deployed to and provided security at several large events to include the Governor’s Inauguration and Delaware State University Homecoming. TCU also provided security at the Department of Health’s six H1N1 flu shot clinics in December.

The Tactical Control Unit trains on a bi-monthly basis in tactical formations, cordon operations, delivery of chemical and less-lethal munitions, and specified security details for large events. Training also consists of qualifying with all divisionally issued firearms after donning gas masks and other issued protective equipment. During 2009, the unit conducted joint riot control training with the Newark and University of Delaware Police departments. During 2009 unit members also received specialty training at the Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston, Alabama in the area of protester device removal and tactical command operations planning.

Plans for 2010 include bringing on ten additional unit members, updating our less-lethal and chemical munitions delivery systems, and ensuring all unit members receive advanced unit specific training from the Center for Domestic Preparedness.

- Information obtained from 2009 DSP Annual Report -