FBI HRT & CIRG

[sierra129]

Hi, I got another question for u guys. I've heard the term HRT and CIRG in another thread. Just wondering. The CIRG is described as 'regional SWAT'. But the FBI is federal, so it's jurisdiction is nation wide (correct me if I'm wrong). If so, why is there an HRT and a CIRG? Is there any difference between the two? Is the difference concerning jurisdiction? Areas of operation? Mission profiles? What situation calls for the HRT to be deployed and what situation calls for CIRG to be deployed? Sorry I got a lot of questions. But it seems unpractical for me for an organization to have two bodies designed to do the exact same thing. Oh, and last question, what is CIRG anyway?

Thanks for the help.

Cheers

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Gladius et Scutum Patria

[bd]

Hi Sierra,

The FBI maintains both the HRT and regional tactical units operating out of field offices. And they are very different. HRT's main purpose is hostage rescue and they are the unit responsible for domestic CT operations. (Delta and DevGru can't operate on US soil without Presidential authority). The other *regional* teams are used for the gamut of operations (barricades, warrant service, tactical assists, manhunts, etc).

HRT is a full time unit. They train 24/7 for CT/HR and will train with their military counterparts as well. The regional teams are not full-time and are made up of field agents (with tactical training) that are on call as tactical operators as well. After the callup, the regional teams stand down and the operators go back to being field agents.

Is there a need for HRT and the regional teams? Absolutely. HRT is honed to a higher skill level than the regional teams. They have to be. CT/HR skills are perishable and take lots of training time to keep up. If you do CT, that's what you do...not warrant service.

Hope this helps. Take care and be safe.

BD

[sierra129]

Hi bd,

Thanks for the help. It really clears up some question. I have another question, the 'regional' tactical units, will they be deployed to conduct HR operation? Or they are strictly there to assist HRT when the area or operation is too large for HRT to operate effectively alone? (say instead of a house/building clearing, it's a manhunt in wooded areas).

Thanks again for the help.

Cheers

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Gladius et Scutum Patria

[Swat1]

Sierra,

What bd said is right, however, does not necessarily answer your question. CIRG is the Critical Incident Response Group. CIRG is the parent organization over the HRT. HRT is the SWAT element of the CIRG other members of the CIRG include Crisis Negotiators, etc. CIRG has advisors which advise HRT and provide technical support to HRT. Many CIRG personnel are former HRT members. CIRG is not regional SWAT, however, the Field Office SWAT teams fall under control of the CIRG just as HRT does.

Swat1*

[This message has been edited by Swat1 (edited 02-15-2001).]

[jnc36rcpd]

Field office SWAT teams can deploy independently. While HRT is a fulltime unit, their response time would be too lengthy for a fast-breaking incident.

Check out the FBI website's Programs & Initiatives section. They have a pretty informative section on CIRG which outlines the responsibilities of the different units.

1811? Are you out there? I'm surprised we haven't heard from you yet.

[Gunpoint]

I am here...just watching the thread develop.

The info on HRT is basically dead-on. Swat1 has been back to HRT to train with them so he speaks from experience.

Every FBI field office maintains some type of SWAT Team. Some are more like rod and gun clubs in the smaller offices. Nine large offices, however, have enhanced SWAT Teams that are regionally focused. They are enhanced because the train more (50 hours/month) than the non-enhanced teams, and they have better, more updated gear. If Phoenix, AZ, had a situation that required more than what their own SWAT Team could do but not quite HRT, then the southwest regional team (LA) would take it.

Enhanced teams are trained in HR and CT missions that may have to be undertaken in emergent or fast-moving situations, although it is preferable to have HRT on-scene.

Los Angeles (my team) is the larget (40 plus operators) busiest (50-55 call outs a year) of all the enhanced teams.

[FLTCREW1]

Swat1, bd, jnc36rcpd, and 1811;

Ok, now I'm a little confused. Whoever is the Subject Matter Expert, Email me, I have a question.

Thanks.

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NSDQ

[benelli]

1911, I tried to send you email but the computer didnt like your address. Is the one on your post correct?

[Gunpoint]

I'm not an expert on anything...however, I am FBI Agent and SWAT operator, so I probably have a little more inside scoop than most. SWAT1, if memory serves, is a Detective in Oregon who has trained with HRT. I've trained and operated with HRT. That's probably all your going to get out of me about HRT http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/smile.gif

E-mail addy is west_la@yahoo.com.

[FLTCREW1]

Originally posted by 1811:
That's probably all your going to get out of me about HRT

Then there's no point in asking, Fair enough.

BTW, I also have worked with Various HRT's to include yours. I was assigned to OSAC and MDW.


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NSDQ

[PO BONG]

Are the nine Ehanced SWAT teams better than the normal ones in the FBI? And what regions they are divided to carry out their functions? And what weaponary they have? Are their weapons better than the normal ones? I heard that if a terriost incident happen, they are suppose to hold on until the HRT arrives? Is that right?

[Gunpoint]

Agent Po Bong:

Please report to the Communist Party in the PRC and tell them your efforts at gathering Internet-derived intelligence are failing miserably.

[RogueExec]

LMAO!

[Sharky]

Originally posted by 1811:
Agent Po Bong:

Please report to the Communist Party in the PRC and tell them your efforts at gathering Internet-derived intelligence are failing miserably.

Who says the FBI has no sense of humor? Oh, that was me. Sorry 1811. http://www.specialoperations.com/ubboard/biggrin.gif



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F.I.D.O.

[RECON5]

:twidling fingers: Waiting on 1811 to address Agent Po Bong on the "Waco" string.....