This seminar will showcase the evolution of SWAT personnel and teams from the 1980s into the 21st century. The good, the bad, and the ugly of past practices, as well as contemporary issues affecting the SWAT and law enforcement profession, will be discussed. Presenters will show how Emotional Intelligence is critical in all aspects of SWAT duties and how far the industry has come in leveraging education, critical thinking and problem solving to benefit law enforcement's relationship with the public, and other personnel within our own agencies. Discussion will include the improved "SWAT image," as well as the characteristics of the millennial generation and how to integrate them into successful SWAT officers.

Shawn Hancock began his law enforcement career in 1988 with the Grants, NM Police Department, where he served as a patrol officer, detective, and SWAT team member. Expanding his career opportunities, he transferred to the police department in Albuquerque, NM, in 1995. He was selected to the Metro Crime Unit and then to the SWAT team in 1998. He served on the Entry team, Sniper team, and as Assistant Team Leader. Hancock retired from New Mexico in 2007 and moved to Arizona, joining the Chandler Police Department. He served several years as the Special Operations Section/Tactical Commander. Throughout his career, Hancock has focused on Tactical Operations and Training in Use of Force. He is a 2011 graduate of the Force Science Institute and is an instructor in many disciplines. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Career and Technical Education.