History:
In 1975 the Colorado Springs Police Department
determined that a need existed for a flexible, well trained and equipped unit to handle
certain exceptional circumstances. In 1976, two sergeants and three officers attended the
National Police Academy in Quantico,VA.
TEU became operational at the beginning of 1977 with one sergeant and nine officers.
In April 2003, the full-time unit (one of three full-time teams in the state of Colorado) expanded to fifteen officers and one sergeant. The unit operates out of the Central Division under the Patrol Support Bureau.
Philosophy:
The primary responsibility of TEU is to save lives. The members are highly motivated and well conditioned individuals specially equipped and trained to function as a tactical unit.
TEU emphasizes training, attitude, confidence, teamwork, information, controlled use of firepower and self-discipline.
Mission Statement:
To protect human life by peacefully resolving high-risk incidents through the use of
specially trained
and equipped police officers. The Colorado Springs Police Department strives to provide a
highly trained
and mobile Tactical Enforcement Unit to respond to whatever mission may be necessary to
safeguard the
community, its citizens and officers.