Activations

**Armed Barricade in Orcutt**

In January, Santa Maria Patrol Deputies were dispatched to the 800 block of Blake St. for a subject that threatened his family with a firearm. The suspect refused to surrender. Patrol deputies evacuated family members and neighboring residences and set up containment. SET was activated to respond based on the circumstances of the call. After a four-hour standoff, a confrontation with the suspect occurred at the suspect’s backyard and resulted in a deputy-involved shooting. The suspect was shot and succumbed to his injuries. No deputies were injured. (photo KEYT)

The Special Enforcement Team may be activated day or night, 365 days per year. SET prides itself on the successful execution of any task they are assigned. SET’s mission-readiness and capabilities would not be possible without the equipment and training so graciously acquired through the efforts of the Santa Barbara Special Enforcement Team Support Foundation, Inc.

Training

Vehicle Tactics with Phoenix Police Department’s Special Assignments Unit (SAU)

The Special Enforcement Team is constantly striving to ensure the team’s protocols and procedures reflect current best practices for tactical teams. In February, four SET members traveled to Phoenix, AZ to train vehicle-related tactics with Phoenix Police’s Special Assignments Unit (SAU). Phoenix PD SAU is a full-time SWAT team, and they are activated over 400 times per year. SAU is extremely proficient in vehicle-related tactics, and they were more than willing to share their knowledge with SET. Members were able to drill various scenarios and complete several repetitions on the tactics taught by SAU. SET is grateful for the hospitality shown by SAU and look forward to sharing the knowledge and learned skills with the remainder of SET.

Team Training at Santa Maria Edwards Cinema

SET members await instructions for scenarios inside the vacated Edwards Cinema in Santa Maria. The team was able to practice a variety of tactics inside the old movie theater. Thank you to ZDI, Inc. Real Estate Development for the training opportunity!

Equipment

Galvion Caiman Ballistic Helmet

The Special Enforcement Team has been wearing Ops-Core helmets for nearly a decade. While the helmets have served their purpose, ballistic helmets have evolved in design, lighter materials, and better comfort over the last 10 years. Several SET members have used personal funds to purchase their own helmet that is more lightweight and more comfortable than the outdated Ops-Core. These helmets typically cost around $1,800.

The team has started contacting various helmet manufacturers to test and evaluate a viable replacement for the current Ops-Core lids. One of the helmets being evaluated is the “Caiman” by Galvion. The Caiman comes in five different shell sizes and includes a Wilcox L4 night vision shroud, Ops-Core industry-standard rails, and an APEX liner system. The helmet weighs between 1.47 lbs. to 1.92 lbs. depending on the shell size. The Caiman has a retail MSRP of $1,995.00.

Although slightly heavier than a comparable Team Wendy helmet, the Galvion feels very balanced and can be worn for long periods without any discomfort. The Caiman does not feel bulky and provides excellent IIIA ballistic protection. The Caiman also integrates the Invsio T7 headsets easily with a standard Ops-Core style rail system. Santa Barbara PD SWAT currently wears the Galvion Caiman and they have nothing but positive things to say about the helmet.

SET will continue to evaluate the Caiman, and others, to decide what is best to protect the team into the next decade.

Shieldspike Breaching Tools - “Minispike”

When SET members trained with Phoenix PD SAU (see above), different methodologies were discussed on how to defeat auto glass. One tool shown to SET members was the “Minispike.” The Minispike is a spin-off of the Shieldspike (which SET currently utilizes. The Minispike is essentially a personal-sized glass breaker and deletes the long handle that the Shieldspike is known for. The Minispike can be carried on a ballistic vest and is extremely effective at defeating glass. The team will have the opportunity to try the Minispike at an upcoming training day in which vehicle-related tactics are trained.

Eotech PVS 1531 NVG

Thanks to the incredible donations of benefactors, the Special Enforcement Team was fortunate enough to acquire several sets of Eotech white phosphorous NVGs. The NVG upgrade will further enhance SET’s capabilities in extreme low light/complete darkness and rural operations. SET would like to give special thanks to everyone who made this tall task possible. The team is extremely grateful!