The primary responsibility of the Northeast Tarrant County Area SWAT Team (NETCAST) will be the resolution of dangerous and/or difficult police situations outside the realm of the ordinary patrol response, through the use of developed skills, tactics and specialized equipment and capabilities. Members must qualify on all weapons and pass a rigorous physical fitness test. Members trained in explosive entry and are supported by the Tactical Medics who provide emergency medical support during call-outs.
NETCAST is comprised of 9 SWAT officers and 3 Crisis Negotiators from each of the following police departments: Grapevine, Hurst, Euless and Bedford. The regional SWAT team allows departments to consolidate resources, manpower and equipment.
The SWAT Team is outfitted with special equipment including:
Protective Personal Equipment such as ballistic helmets, body armor, eye wear, hearing protection, and gas masks
Automatic rifles, marksman rifles, less lethal munitions, chemical munitions, breaching tools
Surveillance equipment
Crisis Negotiation Unit
The Crisis Negotation Unit is specifically trained to respond and resolve Critical Incidents. Each Negotiator completes extensive training in Active Listening and Communication Skills. The Crisis Negotiation Unit also receives annual training in conjunction with the Texas Association of Hostage Negotiators and the FBI.