Those who attended last month’s National Night Out in Sedona saw something most had never seen before and may never see again.
Standing more than 10 feet tall and painted all black, Verde Valley Regional SWAT’s mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle — or MRAP — is an imposing sight. While it drew excited remarks from many, it also drew criticism by way of letters sent to both the Sedona Red Rock News and the Sedona Police Department.
SPD Chief Ray Cota was asked to clear the air on both the use of the MRAP as well as the role of the regional SWAT team.
The team itself is made up officers from agencies throughout the Verde Valley. Cota said an officer can express interest in being on the team and can only be accepted based upon his or her experience and expertise. There are then a series of tests and qualifications that must be met before being considered. Once on the team, members train a minimum of 20 hours a month from January to August and 10 hours a month September through December.
To read the full story, see the Friday, Sept. 5, edition of the Sedona Red Rock News.
