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Difference between revisions of "Allegheny County (PA) Pittsburgh City SWAT Operations"

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Some commonly heard TAC call signs are: TAC30, TAC35, TAC37, TAC42, TAC71, TAC72, TAC76.  Generally speaking, TAC71 is the tactical commander of any given operation.
 
Some commonly heard TAC call signs are: TAC30, TAC35, TAC37, TAC42, TAC71, TAC72, TAC76.  Generally speaking, TAC71 is the tactical commander of any given operation.
 
On an infrequent basis, you will also hear four digit call signs starting with a "7".  These are primarily SWAT call signs as well.  For instance, the canine unit may be referred to as 7133K or simply 33K.  It could be that the "7" series is the same as the TAC series, just stated in a different manner. 
 
  
 
There are times when a TAC operator is assigned to a specific mission.  Mike 1, Mike 2, Mike 3, etc. are simply TAC operators assigned to specific mission elements.  The Mike numbering system replaces the TAC designators.  
 
There are times when a TAC operator is assigned to a specific mission.  Mike 1, Mike 2, Mike 3, etc. are simply TAC operators assigned to specific mission elements.  The Mike numbering system replaces the TAC designators.  
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'''Source:'''  This information was NOT compiled from official sourcesRather, it was derived from many hours of scanning, note taking, personal observation, and collaboration with other RR membersAs such, there may be errors or omissions.
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'''Note:'''  On an infrequent basis, I have picked up certain 7000 series call signs.  Those call signs have been primarily used in conjunction with SWAT call-outsOn occasion, I have also heard those units respond to calls at the Zone level.  But in those instances, it appeared as though they were responding on their own accord to lend an assist.  The Zone calls they responded to were always serious in nature and time sensitiveSo my consensus is that the 7000 series call signs are special purpose headquarters units that are involved in narcotics interdiction, surveillance or tactical operations.  
  
  

Revision as of 20:43, 20 May 2011

City of Pittsburgh SWAT Operations

SWAT callouts are done on City of Pittsburgh Police Channel 7 (453.4500, CTCSS 186.2). As a general rule, SWAT will not give the target location over the air. SWAT rolls from the Zone 1 Police Station on the North Side. If you are interested in knowing whether SWAT is rolling toward your neighborhood, listen to the transmit frequency of 458.4500, CTCSS 186.2. This is the raw transmit frequency coming directly from the SWAT vehicles. If SWAT is coming to your neighborhood, the signal should become clearer as they approach.

SWAT utilizes "SPEC 1" 458.3375, CTCSS 186.2, as the primary talk around frequency. This frequency is covered under FCC call sign KD34400. SPEC 1 is rated at 2 watts of power. Depending upon your distance and/or elevation as compared to the Area of Operation, you may have difficulty in receiving the signal.

In conjunction with EOD, SWAT has a robot available for deployment. This robot is used to approach high risk structures or objects. The radio and data feed frequencies are covered under the FCC call sign of WQLY572. Given the relatively low power ratings, you would have to be in close proximity to the action to pick up any transmissions.

  • 153.9125 (Voice)
  • 153.9725 (Voice)
  • 453.8125 (Data)
  • 458.8375 (Data)
  • 2462.0000 (Dual Channel Data)
  • 2467.0000 (Dual Channel Data)

Each SWAT operator/member has their own designator. The form of the designator is 3TACXX, e.g. SGT Bobby Somebody is 3TAC35, etc. These designators do not change. An on duty call out only involves those operators that are on duty at the time the call is made. The initial "3" is often dropped for simplicity.

After the intial posting of this Wiki article, SWAT began employing additional desriptors as part of their call sign. Instead of saying "TAC" plus the number, they have been replacing "TAC" with Anvil, Bulldog, Hammer, Raptor, Raven, etc. This is meant to obfuscate the call sign for you the unitentended listener.

Some commonly heard TAC call signs are: TAC30, TAC35, TAC37, TAC42, TAC71, TAC72, TAC76. Generally speaking, TAC71 is the tactical commander of any given operation.

There are times when a TAC operator is assigned to a specific mission. Mike 1, Mike 2, Mike 3, etc. are simply TAC operators assigned to specific mission elements. The Mike numbering system replaces the TAC designators.

Pay careful attention to the context in which the term "Mike" is used. They now use the term Mike to mean minutes as well,

A full call out includes off duty personnel, as opposed to an on-duty call out.

You will not hear certain communications of the operation, on a micro basis, as SWAT does make use of Nextel phones and instant messaging. For example, rather than recall certain Mike elements over the air for egress, the command will simply text them.

The main entrance or street side of a structure will be called “Side 1″, with 2, 3, 4 being the sides numbered in a clockwise direction. The corners would then be called “1/2/1″, "2/3/1" and so on. The third number is the floor number, which is omitted on a single story structure. The building levels will be designated 1, 2, 3 etc. from the ground up. Low Side would refer to basement.

Similar to the side numbering system of buildings, you will hear reference to Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta teams. Alpha team is the front (Side 1) entry or positioned personnel, Bravo team is on the left (Side 2) of the structure, etc. in a clockwise fashion.

Commonly heard SWAT terminology:

  • AO = Area of Operation
  • BEAR = Armored vehicle used by SWAT
  • Egress = The act of leaving the Area of Operation.
  • EOC = Emergency Operations Center located at 400 North Lexington Ave
  • EOD = Explosive Ordnance & Demolition
  • Frag Order = Fragmentary order. An abbreviated form of an operation order that eliminates the need for restating information contained in a basic operation order. It may be issued in sections.
  • H* = Helocopters are referred to as H-1, H-2, H-3, Helio-1, Helio-2, etc.
  • HRT = Hostage Rescue Team
  • IC = Incident Command
  • Ingress = The act of entering the Area of Operation.
  • Lima Charlie = Loud and Clear, respose to radio check request.
  • NFDD = Noise Flash Diversionary Device. Also referred to as a Flash Bang. The NFDD is an explosive device that, when properly deployed, produces six (6) to eight (8) seconds of physiological involuntary distraction which prohibits organized resistance.
  • Oscar Mike = On the move
  • SERT = Special Emergency Response Team. Individual team members are referred to as SERT-1, SERT-2, SERT-3, etc.
  • SITREP = Situation Report
  • Solid Copy = Testosterone infused SWAT version of “Copy”.
  • Tango(s) = People detained in the building or SWAT's Area of Operation. Possible actors, bad guys.


Note: On an infrequent basis, I have picked up certain 7000 series call signs. Those call signs have been primarily used in conjunction with SWAT call-outs. On occasion, I have also heard those units respond to calls at the Zone level. But in those instances, it appeared as though they were responding on their own accord to lend an assist. The Zone calls they responded to were always serious in nature and time sensitive. So my consensus is that the 7000 series call signs are special purpose headquarters units that are involved in narcotics interdiction, surveillance or tactical operations.



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