Gallup police and the Navajo Police Department complete a first joint tactical course

The Gallup Police Department has completed its first joint SWAT training course with the Navajo Police Department, certifying 27 operators from the two agencies.

The course ran from Aug. 29 through Sept. 1 and covered 40 hours of instruction, which the department said its operators completed in persistent rain and challenging field conditions.

Of the 27 operators, 11 came from Gallup and 16 came from the Navajo department, and each earned status as a Special Weapons and Tactics officer, the department said.

Instruction covered high-risk warrant service, armed barricade resolution, hostage rescue, flash-bang certification, dynamic and methodical breaching, vehicle takedowns, firearms proficiency, low-light operations, ballistic shield operations, command and sniper-initiated entry, and case law and legal considerations.

The department said operators gained insight into each other's mission concepts, tactical approaches and operational capabilities, and it described the week as a step toward an upcoming MOU with partner agencies.

Gallup police tied the collaboration to the city's geography, which the department described as surrounded and encompassed by the Navajo Nation. Chief Erin Toadlena-Pablo is proud of the dedication shown by every operator and instructor, the department said.