Sec. 12.04.08.02. Definitions

A. In this chapter, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

B. Terms Defined.

(1) “Activate” means to put police officers who are members of a special tactical response team or who are participating in a no-knock warrant service operation on notice of potential deployment for an unusually dangerous or potentially violent situation.

(2) “After-action report” means a document to be completed following activation and deployment of a special tactical response team or a no-knock warrant service operation that includes, at minimum, the type of deployment, persons deployed, the location deployed to, information about suspects, witnesses, victims, or others, a synopsis of the event, and a conclusion.

(3) Commission.

(a) “Commission” means the Police Training and Standards Commission or a representative authorized to act on behalf of the Commission.

(b) “Commission” includes all references to the Police Training Commission, now known as the Police Training and Standards Commission.

(4) “Competencies” means the capabilities of the team members to conduct special tactical responses based on tactical abilities, training, and resources.

(5) “Deployment” means that a team has taken a tactical approach to resolving a law enforcement matter that exceeds the duties of traditional police officers.

(6) “Documented training” means a permanent record of training that includes the:

(a) Curriculum;

(b) List of instructors;

(c) Record of attendance; and

(d) If administered, test and examination scores.

(7) “Law enforcement agency” has the meaning stated in Public Safety Article, §3-201, Annotated Code of Maryland.

(8) “No-knock warrant service” means a law enforcement warrant service operation in which a police officer does not announce the police officer’s presence prior to obtaining entrance to a premises.

(9) “Special tactical response” means a planned, strategic, tactical response to resolve critical incidents that may exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement officers and investigative unit personnel.

(10) Special Tactical Response Team.

(a) “Special tactical response team” means two or more police officers, who have been specially trained, and have the ability to execute strategic responses to resolve critical incidents that may exceed the capabilities of traditional law enforcement officers and investigative unit personnel.

(b) “Special tactical response team” may include, but is not limited to, a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team as defined under Public Safety Article, §3-201(g), Annotated Code of Maryland.