Ora

What Does 27 David Mean in SWAT?

Published in SWAT Designations 3 mins read

In SWAT team organization, "27 David" typically refers to a specific individual or element within a squad, specifically under the command of the Sergeant designated "20-David." The "David" designator is a common radio callsign identifier for personnel and units within law enforcement, particularly for SWAT teams.

This designation system provides a clear hierarchical structure for communication and command within a SWAT unit.

Understanding the "David" Call Sign System

The "David" callsign system is fundamental to how SWAT teams identify their members and units. It establishes a clear chain of command and simplifies communication during critical operations.

  • 10-David: This designation is typically reserved for the SWAT Commander, who is often a Lieutenant. This individual holds overall responsibility for the unit's operations.
  • 20-David through 70-David: These designations are assigned to Sergeants, based on seniority. There are usually multiple Sergeants, each responsible for their own squad. For instance, a unit might have six Sergeants designated 20-David, 30-David, 40-David, 50-David, 60-David, and 70-David. Each Sergeant oversees a squad, often consisting of around 10 officers.

The Significance of "27 David"

Given this structure, "27 David" is not a primary designation for a Sergeant, as Sergeants are typically identified by tens (e.g., 20-David, 30-David). Instead, it most logically signifies a specific individual or asset within the squad led by Sergeant 20-David.

  • Squad Member Identification: The "7" in "27 David" would likely identify the seventh specific team member within Sergeant 20-David's squad. This allows for precise identification of individual officers during operations, ensuring clear directives and accountability.
  • Specialized Roles or Assets: Alternatively, "27 David" could refer to a specific specialized role, vehicle, or piece of equipment assigned to Sergeant 20-David's command. For example, it could be a K9 unit, a specific sniper, or an armored vehicle designated within that squad.

Practical Application

During a tactical operation, using such specific callsigns ensures that commands are directed to the correct individual or unit without ambiguity. For instance, if the SWAT Commander (10-David) needs to communicate with a specific officer for a task, they might call out "27 David, move to position Alpha-7."

This system helps maintain:

  • Clarity: Reduces confusion in high-stress environments.
  • Efficiency: Streamlines communication and task allocation.
  • Accountability: Easily identifies who is responsible for a particular action or area.

To understand the broader context of SWAT unit organization and callsign systems, resources like the Southland Wiki on SWAT provide further details on departmental structures.

Summary of David Designations

The following table summarizes the typical "David" callsign structure in SWAT units:

Designation Role / Rank Description
10-David SWAT Commander (Lieutenant) Overall command and responsibility for the unit.
20-David Sergeant Leads a 10-man squad.
30-David Sergeant Leads a 10-man squad.
40-David Sergeant Leads a 10-man squad.
50-David Sergeant Leads a 10-man squad.
60-David Sergeant Leads a 10-man squad.
70-David Sergeant Leads a 10-man squad.
27-David Squad Member/Asset A specific individual (e.g., the 7th officer) or asset within Sergeant 20-David's squad.

This systematic approach to callsigns is crucial for the organized and effective deployment of SWAT resources, ensuring every member understands their role and position within the team.