Training Prepares Tulsa County SWAT Unit

By Chris Wright, The News On 6

JENKS, OK -- The Tulsa County Sheriff's Office conducted an elaborate exercise in Jenks on Sunday.

SWAT team members used a May's Drug Warehouse for their exercise. The idea was to simulate a hostage situation so if one ever happens, these officers will know exactly what to do.

The SWAT team surrounded the drugstore Sunday evening. The members knew they were partaking in the exercise, but didn't know what it would entail.

When they arrived, they discovered there was an armed robber inside and hostages had been taken.

Tulsa SWAT takes part in the exercises a few times a year to stay sharp. Police from Texas are also brought in to judge the team's performance.

Officials say simulating a hostage situation provides invaluable training.

"I think it's important that you train every single contingency that's out there," said Chief Kim Albin of the Tulsa County Sheriff's Office. "As we've seen in recent days with some of the violence around the country, you just never know when this guy's gonna show up."

Drug Warehouse employees said the exercise also helps them. They will use the video during training.