The New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services will host its third annual “Tactical Week” at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oriskany, N.Y., from May 13-16, 2019.  Tactical Week features eight advanced tactical teams, or SWAT teams, from across New York State participating in hands-on, scenario-based training. This training helps ensure these teams can tackle any challenge and keep the public safe. New this year, the New York City Police Department’s elite Emergency Services Unit will provide instructional support to participating teams.

On May 15, the media will have the opportunity to observe tactical teams training in the following scenarios: 

• A low-light scenario in Cityscape where teams must maneuver and operate in near-dark conditions utilizing night vision equipment to find an assailant;
• An active shooter response at a simulated workplace setting where teams must enter a building, search for victims and locate an assailant;
• A high-risk scenario involving a hostage rescue at a simulated workplace where a disgruntled employee is holding four other employees hostage.

Date: May 15, 2019

Time: Check-in between 10:00-10:15 a.m.; exercise observation and interviews until noon.

Location: New York State Preparedness Training Center, 5900 Airport Road, Oriskany, NY, 13424

Participating Teams:

• Binghamton Metro SWAT Team
• Colonie Police Department
• New Rochelle Police Department
• Orange County Sheriff’s Office
• Utica Metro SWAT Team
• Troy Police Department
• Westchester County Police Department
• White Plains Police Department

RSVP: Due to the sensitive nature of the training and security at the facility, media wishing to attend must RSVP by 6 p.m. on May 14.  To do so, please contact Chet Lasell at chet.lasell@dhses.ny.gov or (518) 402-6472 with the names of any reporters, photographers and videographers planning to attend; the media outlet they represent; and contact information. Credentials will be provided at check-in.

About the State Preparedness Training Center

Operated by the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), the State Preparedness Training Center (SPTC) affords state, local, and federal agencies a complex of training venues that can be used for the entire spectrum of training. From classroom lectures and discussions to reality- and high-performance scenario-based training, the SPTC offers opportunities for dynamic emergency first responder training. Located on 1,100 acres, the SPTC annually trains thousands of first responders, namely law enforcement, emergency medical services (EMS) and technical rescue personnel, in a variety of areas including response to active shooter events, emergency vehicle operations, EMS special situations, swift water/flood rescue and team tactics for patrol officers.

About DHSES

The Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services provides leadership, coordination and support for efforts to prevent, protect against, prepare for, respond to, and recover from terrorism, natural disasters, threats, fires and other emergencies. For more information, visit the Facebook page, follow @NYSDHSES on Twitter, or visit dhses.ny.gov.

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