Only On 9: Crucial SWAT Training Used In Michael Vance Manhunt

Tactical response is something agencies have to train for, learning techniques that are used in real situations.

From explosive entries to more cautious approaches, 20 law enforcement officers completed a two-week training of Tactical Operator School. It’s commonly known as SWAT training.

Officers from several agencies make up the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office Multi-Jurisdictional Team. They need to go through two trainings and two years on the team before they enter high-risk situations.

On Friday, Deputy Chief Russ Landon with the Village Police Department lined up a few houses to be used as training facilities. These are homes that will be demolished eventually.

“Nothing takes the place of training in these residences and these neighborhoods because we could very easily be called out here,” said Landon.

Some of the skills learned Friday were used when the manhunt was underway for Michael Vance. Several of the officers at training were on scene in Luther that fatal Sunday when Vance started his shooting spree. At that point in time, they knew Vance shot two officers and there was a chance he was still in the house.

Special Coverage: Manhunt For Michael Vance

“That was a very high stress situation,” said Captain Jim Anderson with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. “Once his vehicle was located at that place in our county, the tactical unit was immediately mobilized.”

Some of the techniques they practiced Friday were the same that they used at the Wilkson’s residence, setting up a perimeter and scoping every corner and inch of the house as they entered because a violent suspect could be around the corner.

“We have a lot more tools. We have a lot more capabilities and we train to function as a unit and not as an individual officer,” said Anderson.

The training happens once a year and is 100 hours of class and hands-on training.