The High Point Police Tactical Team was established in 1982 to address situations that require additional manpower, specialty weapons and tactics. The Team, which consists of 20 volunteers from throughout the department, trains on a monthly basis to remain prepared for whatever crisis situations may arise. Captain Lester Fortune commands the Team with the assistance of Lieutenants Ken Shultz and Marty Sumner.
Training includes many topics.
One area of importance is firearms proficiency with a number of specialty weapons. Focus also is upon defensive tactics and subject control, in order to ensure the safety of officers and suspects during physical confrontations. A further aspect of training includes development of the tactics to be used during an incident. Specialty equipment used by the Team includes bullet resistant shields, helmets and vests. The wide range of Tactical Team missions can include high risk search warrants on armed drug dealers, arresting violent felons, handling hostage situations, controlling civil disturbances and searching for missing children.