Ordinance No. 16,431 (Item 8.a.) ORDINANCE NO. 16,431
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN,
TEXAS, AUTHORIZING AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR MUTUAL
AID LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS AND THE CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS FOR JOINT
LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DATE THEREOF.
******************************************************************************
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Baytown, Texas, hereby authorizes the
City Manager to execute an Interlocal Agreement for Mutual Aid Law Enforcement Services by
and Between the City of Baytown, Texas and the City of La Porte, Texas. A copy of said
agreement is attached hereto, marked Exhibit "A" and incorporated herein for all intents and
purposes.
Section 2: This ordinance shall take effect immediately from and after its passage by
the City Council of the City of Baytown.
INTRODUCED, READ, and PASSED by the affirmative vote of the Cit Council of the
City of Baytown this the 23rd day of March, 2026.
C LES JO , Mayor
ATTEST:
A s•"N
•
ANGEL A ' SON, City Clerk
•
APPROVED AS 0 FORM:
SCOTT LE OND, City Attorney
R:\Ordinances and Resolutions\Ordinance Drafts\2026-3-23\Ordinate Authorizing ILA with City of La Porte for BARS SWAT.vh.doc
EXHIBIT "A"
INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR MUTUAL AID LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES,
BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY OF BAYTOWN, TEXAS,
AND THE CITY OF LA PORTE,TEXAS
THE STATE OF TEXAS §
COUNTY OF HARRIS §
This AGREEMENT is made and entered into pursuant to Chapter 791 of the Texas Government
Code, and Chapter 362 of the Texas Local Government Code, by and between the CITY OF
BAYTOWN, TEXAS ("Baytown") the leading agency, and the CITY OF LA PORTE, TEXAS
("La Porte").
WHEREAS, the parties, by execution of a memorandum of understanding in 2021,reviewed and
revised in 2024, combined resources and created a single SWAT Team, recognized by both
participating agencies and surrounding jurisdictions as the Bay Area Regional SWAT (BARS)
team.
WHEREAS, each city possesses within its jurisdictional boundaries and surrounding region,
civilian population, business and commerce locations, critical infrastructure, key resources, high
value terrorist targets, and other points of interest of general public lifestyle. All of which, should
they be attacked, disturbed, or interrupted, could have lethal and long-lasting safety, social, and
economic effects on the citizens and surrounding communities.
WHEREAS, a properly trained and equipped SWAT team is necessary to protect health, life, and
property within the cities and their jurisdictions in cases of felonies acted upon the public, the
threat of force or violence in which harm could be placed on any persons,with or without weapons,
wanted fugitive search and recovery,and any crime,regardless of level or severity,in which safety
to responding officers and surrounding civilian population could result in serious bodily injury or
death; and,
WHEREAS,a properly trained and equipped SWAT team must have sufficient member Operators
and an inventory of specified equipment as suggested by the National Tactical Officers Association
and Texas Tactical Police Officers Association, the two main guiding bodies of for SWAT teams
in Texas,which are satisfied through the continued operation of this combined unit. Currently, the
minimum suggested personnel for a Tier I SWAT Team is 34.
NOW, THEREFORE; in consideration of the mutual covenants, agreements, and benefits to the
cities, it is agreed as follows:
I.
Definitions
The identified terms shall have the following meanings when used in this agreement:
1
(a) "SWAT Team" a Special Weapons and Tactical organization, consisting of at least one
team that meets Type I or Type 11 standards as defined by the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) team typing model, and recommended structure as
published by NTOA and TTPOA.
(b) "Squad" A smaller tactical component within the team consisting of a TL, ATL, and a
given number of Operators capable of carrying out operational missions.
(c) "Unit" Two Squads combined to form a larger single component acting as one. Only
one XO may serve on a unit and will be designated the Team Leader.
(d) "Commander" A certified Operator who is responsible for overseeing the entire
organization, including but not limited to, planning, executing and controlling the
team's activities during high-risk situations such as hostage rescue,barricaded suspects,
or other dangerous situations, disciplining, budgeting, equipment, and department
policies. The Commander is usually the highest-ranking member of the team and is
appointed to the position by the Chief of Police or executive committee.
(e) "Assistant Commander" A certified Operator responsible for internal administrative
workings related to their city's component of the team. The AC may hold an additional
position within the team. The AC has operational control over the Team when
designated acting Commander in the Commander's absence. The AC is appointed by
the Commander.
(f) "Executive Officer/XO" A certified Operator who is a TL that has accountability to
not just their respective Squad, but the entire team with regards to their assigned
responsibilities. An XO will oversee internal team skill programs, and may be
considered the Commanders designee in his or the ACs absence. An XO is appointed
by the Commander.
(g) "Team Leader" A certified Operator who is the lead Operator of a Squad. A TL also is
responsible for the coordination of training, operational planning, and movements for
their squad members. A TL will also have accountability for equipment issue and
inspections of team Operators. A TL is appointed by the Commander.
(h) "Assistant Team Leader" A certified Operator that assists in leading a Squad and acts
as the TL when necessary with the same responsibilities and accountability. An ATL
is appointed by the Squad TL with approval from the Commander.
(i) "Operator" A member of the SWAT team that has passed all minimum required
tryouts, selection phases, and successfully completed a basic SWAT school approved
by the Commander.
(j) "Leading Agency" member agency in which the original MOU was proposed that
formed Bay Area Regional SWAT. The leading agency is responsible for documenting
2
all qualifications, training, and deficiencies specific to SWAT of all operators
regardless of operator employing agency.
(k) "Law Enforcement Officer" or "peace officer" means any peace officer as defined by
article 2.12 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure;
(1) "Member" means a county or municipality which is a part to this agreement;
(m)"Municipality" means any city or town, including a home rule city or a city operating
under the general law or special charter; and
(n) "Police Personnel" means any sworn law enforcement officer.
II.
Background
The Baytown Police Department and the LaPorte Police Department have been active participants
in the SWAT community for over 40 years. In 2009, to reduce operating costs, improve response
time, and expand capabilities, the city of Baytown, the leading agency, and the city of LaPorte
combined resources and began supporting each other through coordinated training and call out
responses, forming a regional SWAT team organization. In 2021, the combined SWAT team was
formally named Bay Area Regional SWAT through a Memorandum of Understanding agreement.
Since the formation of BARS,operator positions and equipment requirements have been increased
through department budget and subsequent grant funding in order to meet the growing needs and
threats throughout the region. BARS responds to numerous calls for assistance annually and the
specialized training and equipment has shown unmeasurable value in safely resolving high risk
operations such as felony warrant service, barricaded subjects, and hostage situations.
III.
Structure of Bay Area Regional SWAT
The members agree to continue involvement in the mutual aid SWAT team created by this
Agreement, known as BAY AREA REGIONAL SWAT. The SWAT team is currently comprised
of 36 certified Operators with the City of Baytown providing 23 personnel and the City of LaPorte
providing 13 personnel. Additional operator positions may be requested by any team leadership
member. Such request should follow team chain of command and be forwarded to the SWAT
Commander, who will then present the request and warranted need to the chief executive officer
of each member agency. The new position(s)requested will only be authorized upon agreeance of
that specific member agency chief executive officer. If the chief executive of either member
agency chooses to directly add positions at any time, they should inform the SWAT commander
of their decision so that a tryout may be scheduled and selection process initiated.
Currently, BARS shall have the following personnel structure and number of positions:
Commander 1
Assistant Commander 1
XO/Team Leader 2
3
Team Leader 2
Assistant Team Leader 4
Operator 16
Snipers 4
Explosive Breacher 4
CP/Quarter Master 2
In all cases possible,the highest-ranking operator should be designated as the SWAT Commander.
Should any case arise where this is not possible, or for good cause, any certified operator of the
squad, unanimously chosen by the member agencies chief executive officers, with input and
guidance from all certified operators assigned to the team, may serve as SWAT Commander. Any
Non-Operator chosen under the same standards to be Commander, shall have one year from
appointment to obtain Basic SWAT Operator Certification. Failure to obtain basic certification in
the given year will constitute a reconsideration to remain Commander. Any extensions for
certification shall be agreed upon by all member agency chief executive officers. Any change to
the SWAT Commander there to, must be agreed upon by the chief executive officers of each
member agency and should include input from all certified operators assigned to the team. Any
chief executive officer of a member agency may request a change of the SWAT Commander
position with a thirty (30) day written notice stating such intent, given to each of the member
agencies chief executive. Such notice should include the reason why and who they suggest to be
named commander.
The Assistant Commander position should at all times be filled by a certified Operator not from
the same agency as the Commander's.
All other positions on the team shall be assigned or approved by the Commander, who should
consider input and guidance from all certified operators on the team for each assignment.
BARS will be structured with 4 squads consisting of the following minimum operators:
XO/Team Leader 1
Assistant Team Leader 1
Operator 4
Snipers 1
Explosive Breacher 1
The team will use the Military Phonetic Alphabet as call sign designators. Squads will specifically
be designated ALPHA, BRAVO, CHARLIE, DELTA. Squad members will be assigned
corresponding call signs related to the squad call sign. Snipers will be designated SIERRA and
explosive breachers KILO. The following is a squad call sign example:
XO/Team Leader 1 ALPHA 1
Assistant Team Leader 1 ALPHA 2
Operator 4 ALPHA 3, 4, 5, 6
Snipers 1 SIERRA-ALPHA
Explosive Breacher 1 KILO-ALPHA
4
When Squads are combined to form Units, they will be joined as ALPHA-CHARLIE Unit and
BRAVO-DELTA unit. The call signs of the individual Squad members will not change. When
Units are formed for deployment, the Team Leader position will default to the XO of ALPHA and
BRAVO. Should that XO not be available, the Team Leader of CHARLIE and DELTA shall take
their place respectively.
While snipers will be assigned to squads, collectively they will make up SIERRA Squad, which
can be deployed independently by the Commander under his direction at any time. As with snipers,
explosive breachers will make up KILO Squad.
It shall be a common practice to train with members of the K-9 squads for each city as a support
roll in SWAT operations, however, K-9 officers specifically assigned that duty shall not be
considered full time SWAT operators and considered for team staffing numbers. Instead they will
be integrated during field operations as an additional resource and tactical option as deemed
appropriate by Team leadership. No operator will assume the K-9 support position at any time,
even if they are a K-9 officer for the departments during their regular assigned duties. Since K-9
handlers can be attached to any of the squads during field operations, they will not be designated
a permanent phonetic call sign, but instead will be referred to simply as K-9 and what squad they
have been attached. Example: K-9 ALPHA, K-9 DELTA.
Open positions on the Team in either city have a direct effect on capability and safe operational
deployment of SWAT personnel. Each member city agrees to maintain a full staffing of its allotted
positions at all times possible. Should any position become vacant for any reason, each member
city agrees to hold a tryout selection when reasonably possible to identify candidates to fill the
open position.
Iv.
Purpose
The purpose of this document is to formalize and certify in written form, that the Baytown Police
Department and LaPorte Police Department have agreed to work together on a mutual aid basis to
handle incidents involving high risk warrant service and arrest operations, barricaded subject
scenes, hostage situations, and any other activity, operation, or situation requiring specialized
training and tactics.
V.
Procedures
It is agreed that all members of the team shall abide by the procedures as set forth in the Bay Area
Regional SWAT Standard Operating Procedure.
VI.
Administration
It is agreed that the agency with the SWAT Commander's position will have any administrative
responsibility as it relates to the team. These responsibilities can include, but are not limited to:
5
maintaining team training records, establishing a training schedule, developing training,
documenting discipline problems, needs survey, etc.
VII.
Operational Guidelines
It is agreed that the personnel of the member agencies will follow the established guidelines and
best practices as set forth by the Texas Tactical Police Officer Association and National Tactical
Officer Association as well as surrounding industry standards pertaining to operational
deployment.
VIII.
Response
It is agreed that the extent of the mutual aid response shall be determined by the SWAT
Commander. The SWAT Commander will notify the proper administrative chain of command of
the requested response and the extent he determines to be appropriate, following all departmental
policies and procedures.
IX.
Selection
It is agreed that the following guidelines will be followed in the selection of a SWAT Team
Candidate:
(A)The individual must be in good standing within the department with no open IA
investigations.
(B)The individual must not have any disciplinary actions as defined by Civil Service taken
against them with in the previous 2 years prior to a tryout date.
(C)Three (3) years of law enforcement experience, military training, or combination of both,
and be off departmental trainee probation before a tryout date.
(D)Five (5) years retainability after attending Basic SWAT Certification.
(E)Pass a prescribed tryout consisting of the approved Physical Fitness Test and a practical
application skills course, including a course of fire. All portions must be passed and a score
of 100% must be attained on the course of fire.
(F) All individuals successfully passing the tryout will enter a minimum six (6) month
evaluation period known as "Selection", during which time they will attend all training
rotations and be given various instruction and task to complete. Selection may be extended
by the SWAT Commander at any time.
(G)After Selection,the SWAT Commander,or his designee,will hold a team interview of each
selection candidate. Upon completion of such interview a team vote will be held for a "GO
/NO-GO" of the candidate.
(H)Candidates receiving a "GO" vote, will be recommended by the SWAT Commander to the
candidates Chief of Police for appointment to the Team.
Any deviation from the above stated guidelines must be approved by the SWAT Commander and
agreed upon by the chief executive officer of each member agency.
6
X.
Training
It is agreed that a regular training program will be utilized to maintain operational efficiency and
skill in the use of various specialized equipment, deployment procedures, and other necessary
topics. The competent SWAT Operator shall have a thorough knowledge derived from both
training and actual field experience. The SWAT Commander will establish a training schedule of
a minimum of three training days, or 24 hours,per month to satisfy the minimum requirements set
forth in department policy,NTOA/TTPOA recommendation,and as a practiced industry standard.
The SWAT Team must also have one forty (40) hour training week annually.
A regular training schedule shall be established in advance of each training session, and records
will be maintained as to attendance, hours, topics covered, etc. This will include specific training
regarding snipers and breachers.
Training records outlining member attendance, topic discussed, and hours attended will be
maintained by the SWAT Commander in a master file accessible only by the SWAT Commander,
Team XOs, and the Chief of Police or his designee.
In order to maintain the high level of physical demand and standards required to perform as a
SWAT Operator, a designated Physical Fitness Test (PFT) shall be instituted and passed by each
team member on a bi-annual basis during a regularly scheduled training rotation. The PFT will be
used to measure the physical capacity, endurance, and performance needed by team members to
perform their duties to the fullest extent. Failure of any one PFT shall place the team member on
a probationary status. Failure of two consecutive PFTs shall be grounds for removal from the team
at the discretion of the SWAT Commander. The PFT shall be outlined in detail and attached to
this Agreement as appendix "A". Any change to the PFT must be approved by the Commander
prior to implementation and documented to this Agreement as an updated appendix.
All team members shall pass a specific SWAT Operator firearms qualification course bi-annually
with a minimum passing score equal to that of their respective departments. This course of fire
shall be outlined as appendix "B". Any change to this course of fire must be approved by the
Commander prior to implementation and documented to this Agreement as an updated appendix.
Snipers shall pass an additional course of fire bi-annually specific to the job duty and skill set
required. This course of fire shall be outlined as appendix "C". Any change to this course of fire
must be approved by the Commander prior to implementation and documented to this Agreement
as an updated appendix.
XI.
Request for Removal of Squad Member
A request to remove a member of the SWAT Team may be made by any Team Leader if it is
shown that said member is a safety hazard, has failed to maintain training standards set forth in
this document, or proven themselves to be unreliable in response situations. Requests for removal
of a member shall be reduced to writing solely by the SWAT Commander. The SWAT
7
Commander will then forward the request with any documentation through departmental channels
to the members Chief of Police, or his designee for review. Upon review of the documentation and
after meeting with the SWAT Commander, the Chief of Police, or his designee, of that member's
agency, will approve or deny the request.
The Chief of Police of any member agency, who chooses to remove one of their member agency's
SWAT Operators from the team, for any reason, agrees to give the other member agency's Chief
of Police and the SWAT Commander notice of such removal as quickly as possible.
Once a SWAT Operator has been removed from the team for any reason, by any means, they will
not be allowed to rejoin the team unless first approved by the member agency's Chief of Police
and the SWAT Commander, and then shall be required to pass a full tryout, PFT, and selection
process. At the discretion of the SWAT Commander, based on the totality of time, circumstances,
and performance, may be required to attend Basic SWAT Certification again.
XII.
Equipment Funding
To keep the cost of the equipment from restricting procurement, and in order to be competitive in
the grant community, Bay Area Regional SWAT has been instructed by administrative agents of
various regional grant programs to submit through a single member agency per grant program to
address the needs of the entire squad.This can create issues in accountability,maintenance,general
repairs, and liability. To address these issues, the member agencies agree to the following:
It is agreed that the SWAT Commander will determine the squad's needs, and advise preparation
of a grant application to obtain funding with priority given to the required equipment. The
application can be submitted by any member agency so long as it has been agreed upon and
approved through that agency's administrative channels.
Any equipment purchased with grant funding can be issued to SWAT Team members covered by
this agreement, who have demonstrated competency in operating said equipment. Prior to
receiving any equipment, the Chief of Police, or his designee must acknowledge receipt of the
equipment by signature on an inventory transfer control form. The inventory transfer control form
will document the equipment description, cost, serial number, agency applied number, Operator
to be assigned, and date of assignment. Each piece of equipment will be marked in accordance to
grant requirements, and will have a unique identifying number assigned by the SWAT
Commander. The issuing agency will maintain a record of approved inventory transfer forms for
each piece of equipment. The authorized inventory transfer control form to be used will be
constituted as appendix "D".
The receiving agency also assumes responsibility for all costs associated with the general
operation, maintenance, and repair of the equipment while it is assigned to the receiving agency.
As soon as reasonably possible, each member agency should establish a budget specific to SWAT
operations, allowing for consumable and equipment replacement and repair support.
8
Any equipment assigned to a team member by another agency may be returned to the issuing
agency after a thirty(30) day written notice of intent has been given.
All equipment issued pursuant to this agreement is subject to inspection upon reasonable notice of
the issuing agency, and all equipment must be made available in the event of a compliance audit
by a grant auditor or municipal authority.
All forms as they relate to equipment assignment will be retained with the original copy of this
agreement by the SWAT Commander. With any change in the commander position, such files
should be transferred to the new commander as soon as reasonably possible, but no later than 30
days from the date of change.
Any equipment not covered by grant funding must be supplemented by other means, including but
not limited to general budget. This equipment may include, but is not limited to, Sims training
gear, response uniforms, miscellaneous tools, etc. Should it become necessary, said equipment
may be assigned, and or transferred in the same manner as outlined above upon approval of the
Chief of Police, or his designee, of the issuing agency.
XIII.
Intent
It is the intent of the parties,that all SWAT responses will be made with not less than the minimum
personnel and equipment requirements as set forth by best practices, NTOA and TTPOA
recommendations, and the SWAT Commander's recommendation.
XIV.
Reporting to Requesting Agency
The SWAT Commander, or his designee, shall report to the requesting agency's officer in control
at the location to which they have been requested, and shall assume command of the situation,
always keeping the requesting agency's Chief of Police, or his designee, informed of the actions
being taken.
XV.
Release of Responding Personnel
SWAT Team members may only be released from a scene when their services are no longer
required, as determined by the SWAT Team Commander, or his designee. All requesting agency
officer's on location with an active position in the response will be under the command of the
SWAT Commander, or his designee, until relieved of their position.
XVI.
Responding Member Discretion
P g
The Chief of Police of the responding member, or his designee, may at any time in his sole
discretion withdraw his personnel or equipment or discontinue participation in any activity
initiated pursuant to this agreement. Such withdraw decision shall be reduced to writing citing the
9
reasons and circumstances for the withdraw of personnel or equipment, and submitted to the other
member's Chief of Police.
XVII.
Status of Responding Personnel
While any law enforcement officer regularly employed as such by a responding member is in the
service of the requesting member,he shall be a peace officer of the requesting member, and under
the command of the requesting member's Chief of Police, with all powers of a regular law
enforcement officer of the requesting member, as fully as though he were within the territorial
limits of the governmental entity where he is regularly employed, and his qualifications,
respectively, for office where regularly employed shall constitute his qualifications for office
within the territorial limits of the requesting member, and no other oath, bond , or compensation
need be made.
XVIII.
Personnel Compensation
Any law enforcement officer or other person who is assigned, designated, or ordered by the Chief
of Police of the member agency which regularly employs him to perform police or peace officer
duties pursuant to this agreement, shall receive the same wage, salary, pension, and all other
compensation and all other rights for such service,including injury,or death benefits,and workers'
compensation benefits, the same as though the service had been rendered within the limits of the
member agency where he is regularly employed. Moreover, all wage and disability payments
including medical expenses, expenses of travel, food, and lodging shall be paid by the member
agency, which regularly employs such persons in the same manner as though the service had been
rendered within the limits of the member where he is regularly employed.
XIX.
Civil Suit/Benefits
In the event that any person performing law enforcement, police protection, or detention services
pursuant to this agreement shall be cited as a party to any civil lawsuit, state or federal, arising out
of the performance of those services, he shall be entitled to the same benefits that he would be
entitled to receive if such civil action had arisen out of the performance of his duties as a member
of the department where he is regularly employed and in the jurisdiction of the member by which
he is regularly employed.
XX.
Release and Indemnification
To the extent permitted by the laws and Constitution of the State of Texas, but without waiver or
expansion of any limits established by the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, each party to this
agreement will indemnify and hold harmless the other and their officers, employees, and agents
from and against any and all claims proximately caused by negligence, breach, or other act or
omission by the indemnifying party or its officers, employees, or agents in connection with the
performance of services under this agreement.
10
XXI.
Remedies
No right or remedy granted herein or reserved to the parties is exclusive of any other right or
remedy herein by law or equity provided or permitted; but each shall be cumulative of every other
right or remedy given hereunder. No covenant or condition of this agreement may be waived
without first obtaining consent of the parties in writing. Forbearance or indulgence by either party
shall not constitute a waiver of any covenant or condition to be performed pursuant to this
agreement.
XXII.
Third Party Claims
Third party claims against members shall be governed by the Civil Practice and Remedies Code,
or other appropriate state statutes, municipal ordinances, or laws of the State of Texas or any
political subdivision thereof. In addition,as between the parties to this agreement,the member that
would have been responsible for furnishing the services in the absence of this agreement shall be
solely responsible for any civil liability that arises from furnishing those services, except with
respect to provisions for indemnity herein.
XXIII.
Defenses Not Waived
It is expressly understood and agreed that, in the execution of this agreement, no party waives,nor
shall be deemed hereby to waive, any immunity or defense that would otherwise be available to it
against claims arising in the exercise of governmental powers and functions.
XXIV.
Venue
Each party to this agreement agrees that if legal action is brought under this agreement, exclusive
venue shall lie in Harris County.
XXV.
Governing Law
The validity of this agreement and of any of its terms or provisions, as well as the rights and duties
of the parties hereunder; shall be governed by the laws of the State of Texas.
XXVI.
Provisions Severable
In case any one or more of the provisions in this agreement shall for any reason be held to be
invalid,illegal,or unenforceable in any respect,such invalidity, illegality,or unenforceability shall
not affect any other provision thereof and this agreement shall be construed as if such invalid,
illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.
11
XXVII.
Termination
Any party to this agreement may terminate involvement in this agreement by giving thirty (30)
days prior written notice mailed by certified mail to the chief law enforcement officer of the other
parties to this agreement.
XXVIII.
Effective Date
This agreement shall become effective between the parties hereto on the day following execution
of the agreement by the last party to execute this agreement, and shall continue in effect until it
has been terminated according to the terms hereof.
XXIX.
Amendment
This agreement may be amended or modified by the mutual agreement of the parties hereto in
writing to be attached to and incorporated into this agreement.
XXX.
Entire Agreement
This instrument contains all commitments and agreements of the parties. Oral or written
commitments not contained herein shall have no force or effect to alter any term or condition of
this agreement.
XXXI.
Execution
This agreement shall be executed by the duly authorized official(s)of the party as expressed in the
approving resolution or order of the governing body of such party, copies of which are attached
hereto.
XXXII.
Duration
The duration of this agreement shall be perpetual in nature, reviewed bi-annually for any changes
or signatures, proposed or required, due to organization or operation of the squad, or change in
chief executive head of the member agencies. Any change to the SWAT Commander position or
total staffing level positions of the squad shall constitute an immediate review and update of this
agreement regardless of time frame.
12
This updated Memorandum of Understanding has been executed in duplicate originals, each
having the force and effect of an original,on behalf of the parties hereto on or before the day
of , 2026.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, the undersigned Parties hereby execute and attest to this Agreement
by their duly authorized officers.
Signatures:
City of Baytown,Texas
Date:
Jason E. Reynolds, City Manager
City of La Porte, Texas
Date:
City Manager
13
BARS MOU Appendix A
BAY AREA REGIONAL SWAT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
PHYSICAL FITNESS TEST
The SWAT Physical Fitness Test will consist of three components:
Component 1: Minimum strength required/Pursuit Rescue Climb
• 2 pull ups minimum wearing 251b vest
Component 2: Assault Dash
• While wearing a vest(181bs), helmet, and carrying unloaded M4 rifle
• Starting in the prone position, get up and run 40 yards
• Time Allotted: 7.7 seconds
Component 3: Tactical Agility Course
• While wearing PT clothing
• Complete 880-yard run consisting of two laps on a track containing three
job related task
• Between the 220- and 260-yard mark, negotiate weave of 9 cones placed 5
yards apart with lateral diversion of 5 yards, passing on the outside of each
cone
• At the 440-yard mark, complete a 10-yard buddy drag on a team member
of comparable weight
• At the 660-yard mark, negotiate the weave of 9 cones, this time dropping
to the prone position, chest and hands in contact with the ground,behind
each of the 9 cones
• Complete the 880-yard distance
Time Allotted: 4 minutes 45 seconds
All components are pass/fail. Each component must be passed before moving to the next
component. Failure of any one component constitutes failure of the entire PFT.
Components may not be attempted out of the above described order. The PFT shall be
performed bi-annually at times determined by the SWAT Commander. Absence from
any scheduled PFT shall be considered a failure unless made up before the next
scheduled PFT.
BARS MOU Appendix B
BAY AREA REGIONAL SWAT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
FIREARMS PROFICIENCY TEST
The SWAT Firearms Proficiency Test will consist of TCOLE approved, department
specific firearms qualification courses for pistol and rifle. Each course of fire is defined
as:
Baytown PD Pistol Qualification Course 90% pass:
• 5 Yard Line: 5 Seconds, repeat twice
o 1 round to the vitals
o 1 round to the groin
o 1 round to the face
o Tactical reload
• 25 Yard Line: 30 Seconds
o 4 rounds
• 15 Yard Line: 30 Seconds
o 4 rounds
• 7 Yard Line:
o 3 rounds each weapon/support hand— 12 Seconds
o Double Feed Malfunction— 12 Seconds, repeat twice
Attempt/Clear fire 3 rounds
• 5 Yard Line:
o Slide Lock Back Drill— 12 Seconds
2 rounds > Reload> 2 rounds > Reload>2 rounds
o Flashlight Support Hand Drill—5 Seconds, repeat twice
Draw and fire 2 rounds
o Stove Pipe Malfunction— 5 Seconds, repeat twice
Attempt/Clear fire 3 rounds
• 3 Yard Line:
o 3 rounds—3 Seconds
o 2 rounds from position 2, 3 rounds from position 4— 10 Seconds
BARS MOU Appendix B
Baytown PD Rifle (Carbine) Qualification Course 90% Pass:
• 50 Yard Line:
o Barricade; 5 rounds right side, 5 rounds left side—25 Seconds
o 5 rounds Standing, reload, 5 rounds kneeling—20 Seconds
• 15 Yard Line: 15 Seconds
o 3 rounds standing, followed by
o 3 rounds kneeling, followed by
o 3 rounds prone
• 10 Yard Line:
o 1 round, tactical reload, 5 rounds—20 Seconds
o 3 rounds from low ready—2 Seconds
o 2 rounds, transition, 4 pistol rounds—8 Seconds
LaPorte PD Pistol Qualification Course 70% pass:
• 25 Yard Line: 20 Seconds
o 5 rounds from low ready
• 15 Yard Line: 20 seconds
o 10 rounds with reload from low ready
• 10 Yard Line: 20 seconds
o 10 rounds with reload from low ready
• 7 Yard Line: 20 Seconds
o 10 rounds with reload from holster
• 5 Yard Line: 5 Seconds, repeat twice
o 5 rounds from holster
• 3 Yard Line: 4 Seconds
o 5 rounds from holster, weapon hand only
BARS MOU Appendix B
LaPorte PD Rifle(Carbine) Qualification Course 90% Pass:
• 50 Yard Line:
o 5 rounds standing supported—20 Seconds
o 5 rounds standing unsupported—20 Seconds
o 5 rounds kneeling, start from standing—20 Seconds
o 5 rounds sitting/squatting, start from standing—20 Seconds
• 25 Yard Line: 15 Seconds
o Start standing at low ready
o 2 rounds standing, reload, 2 rounds kneeling
• 7 Yard Line: Standing at low ready
o 2 rounds to body, 1 round to head—7 Seconds
o 2 rounds to body, 1 round to pelvic girdle—7 Seconds
Pistol and rifle qualification courses will be required bi-annually on the same scheduled
as the PFT as determined by the SWAT Commander. Operators of each member city
shall be required to shoot and pass their respective city's qualification course and
standard. This requirement is specific to SWAT team standards and does not replace any
member city's departmental qualification requirement as per any existing policies or
practices.
BARS MOU Appendix C
BAY AREA REGIONAL SWAT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
PRECISION RIFLE PROFICIENCY TEST
The SWAT Precision Rifle Proficiency Test will consist of the following qualification
course of fire and is defined as:
SWAT Precision Rifle Qualification Course: 10 round course 90% passing
First Stage: Cold Bore
100 Yards
1 round—60 Seconds
1"x 3"T-Box
First Stage of the test is PASS/FAIL. Failure to hit the cold bore shot results in an
automatic failure of the qualification course. Shooter will not be permitted to continue
course of fire until cold bore shot is achieved. Cold Bore is defined as no rounds fired
through rifle in previous 12-hour period.
Second Stage:
200 Yards
2 rounds— 120 Seconds
Large Box
Third Stage:
4 Minute Run, no rifle, followed by
100 Yards
3 rounds—70 Seconds
Large Box
Fourth Stage:
200 Yards
4 rounds— 120 Seconds
2"Circle
Precision rifle qualification course will be required bi-annually on the same schedule as
the PFT and weapons qualification, or as determined by the SWAT Commander. Snipers
of each member city shall be required to shoot and pass the same precision qualification
course and standard. This requirement is specific to SWAT team standards and does not
replace any member city's departmental qualification requirement as per any existing
policies or practices. Course will utilize specific precision rifle targets approved by the
SWAT Commander.
BARS MOU Appendix D Addendum #
BAY AREA REGIONAL SWAT
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING
EQUIPMENT ISSUANCE ADDENDUM
Name of Equipment
General
Description
Additional
Components
Equipment Cost
Issuing Agency
Purchase Funds
Agency Assigned
Team Member Assigned
Date Assigned
Date Returned
Date
Issuing Agency Chief of Police
Date
Receiving Agency Chief of Police
Date
Team Member Assigned Equipment
SWAT Commander Assigned
Returned