DELAWARE STATE POLICE TACTICAL CONTROL UNIT
Lieutenant Peter Sawyer
The Tactical Control Unit (TCU) provides the Division with a specially trained response to the following: mass protest events, active civil disturbances, labor strikes, mass arrest events and support for specified Homeland Security details. There are 44 personnel assigned to TCU. Two personnel in Command and Control, Thirty-Six personnel assigned to four Maneuver Squads and Six personnel assigned to a Less-Lethal Squad.
During 2008, the unit deployed to and provided security at the Delaware State University Homecoming event, security during two Mass Vaccination Events in Dover and New Castle County and Returns Day in Georgetown. The deployment in Dover and New Castle served as a valuable training tool in support of Delaware’s Homeland Security initiatives serving as a dress rehearsal for future operations. The unit provided security as flu vaccinations were administered to the public. Working in rotating shifts the unit received high praise from officials at the event and brought credit to themselves and the Delaware State Police. The event in New Castle was unique in that the vaccinations were given in a drive-by capacity at the DMV inspection lanes.
The unit conducted training on alternating months in 2008 as a result of the restructure. Training primarily focuses on rapid response to civil disturbance events to include: tactical formations, cordon operations, delivery of chemical and less-lethal munitions and specified security details for large scale events. Additionally, assigned K-9 units are integrated into the training as a force multiplier.
In 2008, selected team members traveled to Aniston, Alabama where they received training at the Federal Training Center for Domestic Preparedness. Training was specific to the TCU mission and all members are expected to attend the course in 2009.
In 2008, the unit continued to make changes to enhance their capabilities and mission. The restructuring of the unit provides several challenges for unit members and will bring several new members to the unit. Training will be the key to success in 2009 with a broadened mission statement, newly assigned personnel and a condensed training schedule. Through dedication, devotion and professionalism the unit will meet the challenges and continue to provide the Division with a response to civil disturbance events if they occur.
- Information obtained from 2008 DSP
Annual Report -
