The Binghamton Police have received New York State SWAT Team Certification.


Binghamton Mayor Richard C. David announced Tuesday that the city’s Police Department’s Metro SWAT Team has been certified by the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). This recognition comes after a nearly two-year application process. Metro SWAT is one of only five teams in the state to receive this recognition.


“Binghamton Metro SWAT joins an elite group of tactical law enforcement teams recognized by New York State to meet the highest standards of training and performance,” said Mayor David. “I thank Capt. Larry Hendrickson for his efforts to obtain this certification and his continued leadership commanding the Metro SWAT team.”


The standards set by the New York State Municipal Police Training Council (MPTC) and DCJS cover a range of law enforcement disciplines includes command and control, physical fitness, firearm qualifications, team and individual equipment requirements and high-intensity training.


Training required for the certification includes, but is not limited to: four-week SWAT school for all new members, advanced sniper school, and U.S. Department of Homeland Security and incident command schools.


Binghamton is now one of five teams to be certified since the SWAT team certification was established by New York State in 2010. Only five out of 84 teams have passed all certification standards.


The City of Binghamton Police Department coordinates the Metro SWAT team, consisting of 10 officers from the Binghamton Police Department, four from Johnson City Police Department and three from Vestal Police Department.