SWAT study findings released

Top LAPD officials Tuesday unveiled the findings of a panel that reviewed the department’s fabled and insular SWAT unit. A draft of the group’s confidential report was obtained and reported on by The Times last month.

The group of outside experts was asked by Los Angeles Police Department Chief William J. Bratton to conduct a sweeping review of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team and to summarize its recommendations in a presentation to the department’s civil oversight commission.

Bratton has accepted recommendations to give SWAT members increased training in dealing with mentally ill people and increase the unit’s use of data and computer technology to improve performance. However, he has rejected the panel’s conclusion that there should be greater separation between negotiators and tactical responders.

The panel’s call to admit women into the unit and to revamp the selection process of new SWAT members has caused friction in recent weeks, as some current SWAT members said changes would weaken the unit.