This course will discuss the challenges facing SWAT Teams across the country in recruiting and retaining personnel. Methods of recruiting and retention, as well as testing factors involved in the selection process will be a focal point. Legal considerations and succession planning are issues that should be considered when developing and retaining personnel and will be presented.

Ted Golden began his law enforcement career in 2003 with the DeKalb County Police Department in Decatur, Georgia. He joined the force after his football career ended with the New York Giants. Ted also played football at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and later earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration. Ted joined DeKalb's SWAT Team in 2006. He is an instructor in Less Lethal, FSDD, and Chemical Agents. In 2013, Ted was promoted to SWAT Team Assistant Commander and in 2015 to SWAT Team Commander.