Managing Special Operations

2025 Managing Special Operations - Texas City Beginning 9/3/25

Available Seats: 30 of 40

Cost: $320.00

Credit Hours: 12

Dates:
September 3, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
September 4, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Texas City Police Department (45) map
1004 9th Avenue North
Texas City, TX 77590

Rationale: High risk events can occur anywhere that might require the use of a special operations capability in law enforcement.  The understanding of when it is appropriate and beneficial to deploy a SWAT Team or other Special Operations function is critical.  Those who have served in tactical operations in their career may not have been exposed to executive concerns and those who have never served in a tactical role may not have a working knowledge of these units.  This course is designed to present the principles of SWAT and other Special Operations to those responsible for managing and deploying the resource.  Issues relevant to K-9, Narcotics, Street Crimes, & Gang Units are also discussed. Overview: This is a 12 hour course presented over 1 1/2 days.  It will provide instruction on developing and managing the Special Operations function, including the selection and training of team members, training regiments, the command and control elements for Special Weapons and Tactics as well as Negotiations Teams.  The methods for instruction will include lecture and video presentations, discussion as well as desktop scenarios.  The course is designed for leaders assigned to manage these units. Course Goals: At the conclusion of this course, the participant will:

1. Describe the historical development of SWAT and Negotiations in critical incidents.
2. Articulate the principles of command and control during deployments.
3. Define the role of SWAT and Negotiations in police operations.
4. Recall the legal issues associated with the deployment of these units.
5. Identify leadership points relevant to developing operational readiness.
6. Discuss some key issues involved in the management of other Special Operations functions.
7. Participate in discussions and scenarios familiarizing leaders with this function.

Instructor: Doug Kowalski Chief Doug Kowalski began his law enforcement career in 1975 when he joined the New York City Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer. In 1977, he moved to Texas and joined the Dallas Police Department, where he advanced through the ranks of Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. During his career in Dallas, he worked in Patrol, Internal Affairs, Training, Property Crimes, Narcotics, Communications, S.W.A.T., and Special Operations (Tactical and Traffic Divisions). Chief Kowalski retired from the Dallas Police Department in July 2000 and joined the McKinney Police Department as Assistant Chief. He was promoted to Chief of Police, serving in that role from January 2001 until October 2012. During this time, McKinney was listed as one of the fastest-growing cities in America, as the city grew from a population of 54,000 to over 140,000 citizens. Commensurate with this growth, under his leadership, the Police Department grew from a strength of 67 officers and 25 civilians (92 employees) to a force of 164 sworn officers and 47 civilians (211 employees). Under his command, the McKinney Police Department earned recognition status under the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition Program for following the best practices for Texas law enforcement. In January 2014, Chief Kowalski was appointed, and is currently, the Chief of Police in Prosper, Texas. Chief Kowalski holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Justice Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wagner College in New York. He also attended Fordham University School of Law. He is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision 23rd Command and Management College and the 10th Advanced Management College. He is a vice chair of their Advisory Board and a past president of their Alumni Association. Chief Kowalski also graduated from the 180th Session of the FBI National Academy. Additionally, he is a Certified Fraud Examiner (C.F.E.). Chief Kowalski holds TCOLE Master Peace Officer and Instructor Certificates. He has lectured at the Dallas Police Academy, the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas, and at Collin College. He is currently a faculty member of the Caruth Police Institute at the University of North Texas. He has testified as an expert witness on Tactical Operations before a United States Congressional Sub-Committee. He is a member of the Collin College Law Enforcement Academy Training Advisory Board; a member of the IACP - Patrol and Tactical Operations Committee. He is a Past President of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association. He assisted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in publishing a book, *A Conflict of Rights*, about Policing Protests, and a White Paper on Community Policing. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Dr. Gary Sykes Award for professional achievement in law enforcement presented by the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration.

2025 Managing Special Operations - Bryan Beginning 10/22/25

Available Seats: 26 of 30

Cost: $320.00

Credit Hours: 12

Dates:
October 22, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
October 23, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Bryan Police Department (30) map
303 E 29th
Bryan, TX 77803

Rationale: High risk events can occur anywhere that might require the use of a special operations capability in law enforcement.  The understanding of when it is appropriate and beneficial to deploy a SWAT Team or other Special Operations function is critical.  Those who have served in tactical operations in their career may not have been exposed to executive concerns and those who have never served in a tactical role may not have a working knowledge of these units.  This course is designed to present the principles of SWAT and other Special Operations to those responsible for managing and deploying the resource.  Issues relevant to K-9, Narcotics, Street Crimes, & Gang Units are also discussed. Overview: This is a 12 hour course presented over 1 1/2 days.  It will provide instruction on developing and managing the Special Operations function, including the selection and training of team members, training regiments, the command and control elements for Special Weapons and Tactics as well as Negotiations Teams.  The methods for instruction will include lecture and video presentations, discussion as well as desktop scenarios.  The course is designed for leaders assigned to manage these units. Course Goals: At the conclusion of this course, the participant will:

1. Describe the historical development of SWAT and Negotiations in critical incidents.
2. Articulate the principles of command and control during deployments.
3. Define the role of SWAT and Negotiations in police operations.
4. Recall the legal issues associated with the deployment of these units.
5. Identify leadership points relevant to developing operational readiness.
6. Discuss some key issues involved in the management of other Special Operations functions.
7. Participate in discussions and scenarios familiarizing leaders with this function.

Instructor: Doug Kowalski Chief Doug Kowalski began his law enforcement career in 1975 when he joined the New York City Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer. In 1977, he moved to Texas and joined the Dallas Police Department, where he advanced through the ranks of Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. During his career in Dallas, he worked in Patrol, Internal Affairs, Training, Property Crimes, Narcotics, Communications, S.W.A.T., and Special Operations (Tactical and Traffic Divisions). Chief Kowalski retired from the Dallas Police Department in July 2000 and joined the McKinney Police Department as Assistant Chief. He was promoted to Chief of Police, serving in that role from January 2001 until October 2012. During this time, McKinney was listed as one of the fastest-growing cities in America, as the city grew from a population of 54,000 to over 140,000 citizens. Commensurate with this growth, under his leadership, the Police Department grew from a strength of 67 officers and 25 civilians (92 employees) to a force of 164 sworn officers and 47 civilians (211 employees). Under his command, the McKinney Police Department earned recognition status under the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition Program for following the best practices for Texas law enforcement. In January 2014, Chief Kowalski was appointed, and is currently, the Chief of Police in Prosper, Texas. Chief Kowalski holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Justice Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wagner College in New York. He also attended Fordham University School of Law. He is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision 23rd Command and Management College and the 10th Advanced Management College. He is a vice chair of their Advisory Board and a past president of their Alumni Association. Chief Kowalski also graduated from the 180th Session of the FBI National Academy. Additionally, he is a Certified Fraud Examiner (C.F.E.). Chief Kowalski holds TCOLE Master Peace Officer and Instructor Certificates. He has lectured at the Dallas Police Academy, the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas, and at Collin College. He is currently a faculty member of the Caruth Police Institute at the University of North Texas. He has testified as an expert witness on Tactical Operations before a United States Congressional Sub-Committee. He is a member of the Collin College Law Enforcement Academy Training Advisory Board; a member of the IACP - Patrol and Tactical Operations Committee. He is a Past President of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association. He assisted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in publishing a book, *A Conflict of Rights*, about Policing Protests, and a White Paper on Community Policing. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Dr. Gary Sykes Award for professional achievement in law enforcement presented by the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration.

2025 Managing Special Operations - Victoria County Sheriff's Office Beginning 11/19/25

Available Seats: 35 of 35

Cost: $320.00

Credit Hours: 12

Dates:
November 19, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
November 20, 2025 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location:
Victoria County Sheriff’s Office (40) map
Training Center
1952 Guadalupe Rd
Victoria, TX 77905

Rationale: High risk events can occur anywhere that might require the use of a special operations capability in law enforcement.  The understanding of when it is appropriate and beneficial to deploy a SWAT Team or other Special Operations function is critical.  Those who have served in tactical operations in their career may not have been exposed to executive concerns and those who have never served in a tactical role may not have a working knowledge of these units.  This course is designed to present the principles of SWAT and other Special Operations to those responsible for managing and deploying the resource.  Issues relevant to K-9, Narcotics, Street Crimes, & Gang Units are also discussed. Overview: This is a 12 hour course presented over 1 1/2 days.  It will provide instruction on developing and managing the Special Operations function, including the selection and training of team members, training regiments, the command and control elements for Special Weapons and Tactics as well as Negotiations Teams.  The methods for instruction will include lecture and video presentations, discussion as well as desktop scenarios.  The course is designed for leaders assigned to manage these units. Course Goals: At the conclusion of this course, the participant will:

1. Describe the historical development of SWAT and Negotiations in critical incidents.
2. Articulate the principles of command and control during deployments.
3. Define the role of SWAT and Negotiations in police operations.
4. Recall the legal issues associated with the deployment of these units.
5. Identify leadership points relevant to developing operational readiness.
6. Discuss some key issues involved in the management of other Special Operations functions.
7. Participate in discussions and scenarios familiarizing leaders with this function.

  Instructor: Doug Kowalski Chief Doug Kowalski began his law enforcement career in 1975 when he joined the New York City Police Department as an Auxiliary Police Officer. In 1977, he moved to Texas and joined the Dallas Police Department, where he advanced through the ranks of Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and Deputy Chief. During his career in Dallas, he worked in Patrol, Internal Affairs, Training, Property Crimes, Narcotics, Communications, S.W.A.T., and Special Operations (Tactical and Traffic Divisions). Chief Kowalski retired from the Dallas Police Department in July 2000 and joined the McKinney Police Department as Assistant Chief. He was promoted to Chief of Police, serving in that role from January 2001 until October 2012. During this time, McKinney was listed as one of the fastest-growing cities in America, as the city grew from a population of 54,000 to over 140,000 citizens. Commensurate with this growth, under his leadership, the Police Department grew from a strength of 67 officers and 25 civilians (92 employees) to a force of 164 sworn officers and 47 civilians (211 employees). Under his command, the McKinney Police Department earned recognition status under the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition Program for following the best practices for Texas law enforcement. In January 2014, Chief Kowalski was appointed, and is currently, the Chief of Police in Prosper, Texas. Chief Kowalski holds a Master of Science Degree in Leadership and Justice Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Wagner College in New York. He also attended Fordham University School of Law. He is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision 23rd Command and Management College and the 10th Advanced Management College. He is a vice chair of their Advisory Board and a past president of their Alumni Association. Chief Kowalski also graduated from the 180th Session of the FBI National Academy. Additionally, he is a Certified Fraud Examiner (C.F.E.). Chief Kowalski holds TCOLE Master Peace Officer and Instructor Certificates. He has lectured at the Dallas Police Academy, the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration, the University of Texas at Dallas, the University of North Texas, and at Collin College. He is currently a faculty member of the Caruth Police Institute at the University of North Texas. He has testified as an expert witness on Tactical Operations before a United States Congressional Sub-Committee. He is a member of the Collin College Law Enforcement Academy Training Advisory Board; a member of the IACP - Patrol and Tactical Operations Committee. He is a Past President of the North Texas Police Chiefs Association. He assisted the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) in publishing a book, *A Conflict of Rights*, about Policing Protests, and a White Paper on Community Policing. In 2014, he was the recipient of the Dr. Gary Sykes Award for professional achievement in law enforcement presented by the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration.