Jim Spratlen, left, former chief of the Durango Police Department, observes a tactical entry team during a SWAT team training exercise Friday in Bodo Park.
Jim Spratlen, left, former chief of the Durango Police Department, observes a tactical entry team during a SWAT team training exercise Friday in Bodo Park.Jerry McBride/Durango Herald

The course covers crisis negotiations, proper weapon handling under high-stress situations, tactical first aid, how to rescue a trapped person and more. Most of the course is practical hands-on training. About 15 percent of the officers’ time is spent in the classroom.

Fewer than half the people who take the course become a SWAT team member. However, the skills covered improve officer safety as well as safety for victims, suspects and innocent bystanders during a variety of routine and emergency incidents. The course, in its 18th year, is supported by and funded by Colorado POST and Southwest Colorado Law Enforcement Alliance.