One of the most critical tasks of SWAT leadership is developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the tactics utilized by the officers in their chain of command. These SOPs will determine both the safety and efficiency of operations. However, how we select these standards is often disorganized and lacks structure. This can lead to difficulty sustaining the use of a particular tactic and compromise training efficiency and officer safety.

Eric Ellis has been employed with the McHenry County Sheriff's Office since 1999 and has served on the department's SWAT team for over 20 years. He was assigned to the Sniper Unit and the Entry Team during that time. Eric is currently assigned as the Team Commander for the Department's Multi-jurisdictional team. Eric is currently assigned to the Special Services Division with his agency. His duties include overseeing the training of over 300 employees and public relations. He holds instructor certifications in Active Threat Training, MACTAC, Rescue Task Force, and Emergency Vehicle Operations, and Use of Force. He is also a certified Active Threat Master Instructor through the Illinois Training and Standards Board and Illinois Tactical Officers Association.

Lieutenant Alex Embry has served with the McHenry County Sheriff's Office since 2005 and has been a member of their multi-jurisdictional SWAT team since 2007. During his SWAT career, he has deployed as an Entry Team member and Sniper/Observer before becoming the ATL of the Sniper Unit and later a Team Leader for Entry. He was then tasked with being the unit's Team Commander. While with the Sheriff's Office, he has managed Patrol, Narcotics, and Investigative Units. In addition to SWAT, his other training responsibilities have included firearms, active shooter response, and control tactics.