On November 9, 2004, the Warwick Police Department SWAT Team participated in a mock and simulated exercise, Code Name Green Shield. The exercise was the first of it’s kind in the country, and was closely watched nationally according to TSA and RIEMA, who organized and developed the exercise.

The scenario had a group of suspected terrorists stealing an unknown quantity of missiles from a military shipment, as well as two vehicles from New Jersey. Intelligence reports indicated that they would target T. F. Green Airport. Authorities were notified, and the MANPADS (Man Portable Air Defense System) Mitigation Plan was activated. Terrorists were located parked in a ball-field near the airport waiting for airplanes take off. It became the responsibility of the SWAT Team to make an apprehension. Plans were formulated, SWAT Officers were positioned on the inner perimeter, and utilizing the concept of Speed, Shock and the Element Of Surprise, the terrorists were taken into custody. Additionally, members of the Rhode Island State Bomb Squad, and the US Navy EOD Detachtment were involved in conducting an RSP (render safe procedure) on the MANPADS System left in the truck.

This exercise also included the opportunity for over 100 local, state and federal law enforcement officers to receive training on the MANPADS System, and a lecture on LE Response to a MANPAD incident. This training was conducted both by the US Army and the Warwick Police Department.

Should any Rhode Island LE agency require data and procedures for counteracting a MANPADS threat, please contact the TSA or Warwick PD for assistance.

The Rhode Island Tactical Officers Association (RITOA), conducted a three day Police Patrol Rifle School in September of 2004. This course has been designed to certify Police Officers in the use of the Police Patrol Rifle, and enhance the knowledge and deployment options through range proficiency and classroom instruction.

Instructors were RITOA Vice President, Sgt. Paul Brandley of the Pawtucket PD SWAT Team, and Officer Dave DelBonis of the Warwick PD SWAT Team an RITOA Advisory Board Member.

SiGARMS Academy conducted two Tactical Training Courses, in conjunction with RITOA, during July of 2004. Both courses were held at the Warwick Police Tactical Training Facility.

The first course entitled, Tactical Ground Fighting Instructor, certified LE Officers in techniques and tactics for ground fighting encounters.

The second course, entitled Hostage Rescue (Basic), instructed participants in methods of weapons deployment and tactics through practical applications of CQB environments, perfecting the skills essential for successful high-threat operations.

Both courses were instructed by a former Navy Seal combat veteran, and organized by RITOA Advisory Board member Officer Stef Theodore of the Warwick PD SWAT Team.

On August 30, 2004, a large group of Rhode Island LE Snipers met at the Devens Reserve Forces Training Area (RFTA) located in Devens, Massachusetts. RITOA in conjunction with the Warwick PD SWAT/Sniper Team, sponsored this event. The purpose of the training was to exchange ideas/techniques and to conduct Marksmanship Training on moving targets from 100 to 300 yards.

According to RITOA member Sgt. Tom Hannon of the Warwick PD SWAT Team, organizer of the event, all went well, and the session gave the Sniper/Marksmen an opportunity to hone down their skills with targets at distances greater than those available at their local training sites.

Although no instruction was provided at this Session, it was a structured day of shooting, and beneficial to all who attended.