President

Ken Hubbs, Lieutenant

San Diego Police Dept.

1401 Broadway MS 777

San Diego, CA 92101

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Vice President

Sid Heal, Commander

Los Angeles Co. Sheriff's Dept.

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Secretary

Ed Pecis

California Department of Justice, BNE (ret.)

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Treasurer

Bob Benton, Lt.

Escondido Police Dept.

700 W. Grand Ave.

Escondido, CA 92025

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Chief Technology Officer

Darby Darrow, Off.

San Diego Police Dept. (ret.)

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Directors

Bill Lewis II, Sgt. ret.

Oxnard Police Dept.

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Randy Winn, Sgt.

Sacramento Co. Sheriffs Dept.

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North David Rauschuber, Capt. Campbell Police Dept. 70 North First Street Campbell, CA 95008 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
South R.K. Miller, Lt. (ret.) Huntington Beach Police Dept. 2000 Main St. Huntington Beach, CA 92647 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Mike Hillmann, Ast. Sheriff Orange Co. Sheriffs Dept.	Bill Lewis, Sgt. ret. Oxnard Police Dept.
J.P. Pokorny, Sgt. San Diego Sheriff's	Randy Winn, Sgt. Sacramento Co. Sheriffs Dept.
Chris Schneider, Det. Anaheim Police Dept.

 

Advisor to the board:

Gene Ramirez

Law Offices of Manning, Marder & Wolfe, Los Angeles CA

GOALS STATEMENT

 

To Increase the Professionalism and Proficiency of Special Weapons Teams and Members across the State. To provide a forum for the exchange of current and relevant issues and information; maintain a secure online Web site; provide and/or sponsor superior training and conference programs; maintain a liaison with tactical teams across the nation; stimulate the research and development of innovative techniques, methods of operation and equipment; provide training assistance and support; and become the largest non-profit organization in the state dedicated exclusively to personnel in all levels of tactical operations.

HISTORY

In the mid-1960s, the concept of Special Weapons and Tactics Teams was first conceived and implemented by the Los Angeles Police Department.  Since that time, law enforcement agencies across the country have realized the need for specially trained and equipped police personnel to resolve an ever-increasing number of dangerous situations.  No matter which acronym is used (SWAT, SRT, ERT, etc.) these teams of highly trained professionals are tasked with resolving some of the most hazardous of all law enforcement incidents.

The California Association of Tactical Officers (CATO) believes that there is no acceptable casualty rate for law enforcement personnel.  In particular, CATO has focused its efforts upon improving the safety, education, and sharing of vital tactical information among its members. 

MISSION STATEMENT

CATO is a non-profit, non-political organization.  CATO is organized exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.  CATO was established as an organization "of tactical team members by and for tactical team members."  With over 30 million residents in California and over 80,000 sworn law enforcement officers, CATO's mandate is to provide information, training, and resources to its members.


MEMBERSHIP

Membership in CATO is open to current and honorably retired sworn police personnel, active or reserve duty US military, and support services personnel for law enforcement agencies.  CATO invites other individuals to submit a membership request for review to the board. 

Any association is only as good as its members and their participation.  For this reason, CATO is seeking a large, diverse base of highly motivated and skilled participants.