NEWS RELEASE


For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115


Q03063

March 21, 2006

EMPHASIS: Patrol SERT Invited To Original SWAT World Challenge


The Original SWAT World Challenge (OSWC) has announced the Missouri State Highway Patrol SERT (Special Emergency Response Team) has been invited to participate in the 2006 OSWC. The Patrol’s SERT earned their invitation based on their legacy of excellence and their reputation as one of the top tactical teams in the nation.


The Original SWAT World Challenge has been established to provide a single, annual world-level conference for law enforcement solely focused on the needs of the SWAT community. The four days of activities include: a SWAT symposium, a vendor exhibition, and a competition. The press is invited.


The symposium will take place on March 27 at the Convention Center in Little Rock, AR. The topics for 2006 will include: legal use of lethal force, tactical medicine, active shooter, and vehicle assaults and takedowns. On March 28-29, the vendor exhibition will take place. Vendors from across the country will display and demonstrate their goods and services. The competition part of the Original SWAT World Challenge (OSWC) will be March 29-30, 2006, at Camp Robinson, just outside Little Rock. The OSWC is an invitation only World Championship competition designed to challenge the fitness, motivation, tactical, and weapons skills of the world’s top SWAT teams. The 2006 competition will consist of 24 invited teams competing for the title “Best of the Best”. This year the field includes teams from Canada, Germany, Jordan, and Taiwan, as well as the United States. Teams are selected based on their legacy of excellence and reputations within the SWAT Community.


The competition consists of eight live-fire events run head-to-head in full tactical gear. Four courses of fire are run per day. The winner of the Original SWAT World Challenge will be crowned World Champion at the awards banquet on March 30 at the Little Rock Convention Center. Prizes are awarded to the winning teams and select individuals. The competition will be taped for delayed broadcast on national television. The competition is open to the public and free-of-charge. It is anticipated that 400-500 people will attend.


“For over 20 years, the Patrol’s Special Emergency Response Teams have responded to high risk situations throughout the state,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Patrol. “The officers who serve on these teams are highly trained, exceptionally skilled individuals. It is an honor to receive an invitation to the Original SWAT World Challenge (OSWC).”