Connecticut Swat Challenge

For many years in the tactical community in the Northeast, SWAT Operators have spoken of the importance of having joint SWAT training and SWAT competitions. The intrinsic value of SWAT Challenges can be measured on a variety of levels. Tactics, movement techniques, equipment trends, professional contacts, inter-agency familiarization, fitness levels and shooting proficiency are just a few of the areas that can be positively impacted by a SWAT Challenge. But in spite of the overwhelming need for SWAT challenges, as well as the immeasurable benefit of them, there are only a small number across the United States.

But the fact remained that in New England, and more specifically, Connecticut, there was no organized SWAT Challenge. In 2005, The West Hartford Police Department SWAT team decided to change that fact. Over many months of tireless effort, long meetings, extensive planning and detailed discussions with many SWAT operators, the first ever Connecticut SWAT Challenge was officially created. Thanks to the support of the West Hartford Police Department, particularly WHPD Chief James Strillacci, we got the go-ahead to host the event. Thus, the 2005 Connecticut SWAT Challenge was set for October 6th and 7th 2005, and the response was overwhelming. Despite limiting the number of teams in the field, 16 teams representing 27 towns and cities, as well as the United States Army and Connecticut State Police, were officially entered into the 2005 C.S.C.. These teams represented some of the best that the Connecticut Tactical Community had to offer. The 2005 C.S.C. was fully sponsored and supported by the West Hartford Police Department. Also stepping forward to make the Connecticut SWAT Challenge a reality was the West Hartford Police Officers Association and West Hartford Lodge #27 of the Fraternal Order of the Police. With great fanfare and unbelievable support from fellow Connecticut SWAT teams, the 2005 Connecticut SWAT Challenge kicked off under clear skies on October 6th, 2005.

Over the next 2 days (long days!), these SWAT teams put on a remarkable display of skill, spirit, enthusiasm, teamwork and intensity. The CT SWAT Challenge consisted of 5 unique events designed to test the talent and fortitude of these teams. The Officer Rescue Challenge, The Handgun/Patrol Rifle Challenge, the Sniper Challenge, The Shoot House Scenario Challenge and the Physical Fitness Challenge course were a gut check for even the most accomplished teams. But every team finished successfully and without injury or incident. The response from the participants, the media, the law enforcement community and most of all, the public, was outstanding. Bonds were formed, trade secrets were exchanged, tips and techniques were assimilated into SWAT training programs and we all learned from each other. But most of all, the event pushed each and every team to its’ limits and let all of us know in the SWAT community what we were good at and what areas we needed to improve.