Inside the GFPD's High Risk Unit at Citizens' Academy

Each week, the Great Falls Police Department invites more than 30 people to the station to learn about how it works through the Citizens' Academy program. Officers share some of their secrets (after running background checks on all of the students) and show off their skills during lessons on different aspects of the GFPD.

I write about crime and courts for the Tribune. I spend hours sitting in court, listening and frantically taking notes as the criminal justice process plays out before my eyes. I am invited to the police station every day to read the call logs and learn more about the calls officers responded to during the previous 24 hours. I couldn't wait to participate in the academy to learn more about GFPD operations, make contacts and develop some story ideas.

Wednesday night was class number four, and things got pretty exciting.

We learned about the GFPD High Risk Unit, known as the HRU. They are the department's tactical squad. Many people know them as SWAT teams. The HRU is comprised of 23 members: five snipers, 12 entry team members, three negotiators and three medical personnel, including a medic from Great Falls Fire/Rescue and a volunteer physician. I was invited to attend a monthly HRU training session while writing a story about the team's doctor.

Lt. Brian Black, the HRU tactical commander, gave the classroom presentation at the academy. He told us the HRU was started after Officer Shane Chadwick was shot and killed in the line of duty in 1994. Black explained that the unit is made up of GFPD officers who are tested to ensure they meet high standards. Members of the HRU receive additional training every month.

They run into the most dangerous situations that face our city. Black put it something like this: when the police need help, they call HRU. They're trained to rescue hostages and fallen officers, take out active shooters, assist when warrants are served on especially dangerous individuals and even keep a watchful eye on VIPs.

Law-related education officer Scott Bambenek is the Citizens' Academy facilitator and also a member of HRU.

"I joined for the action, the adrenaline rush," he explained. "I wanted to be a part of something more elite."

It's a group faced with simulated challenges each month during their training sessions and a handful of call-outs each year. Bambenek said the unit is like a fraternity. He said they play practical jokes on each other and horse around when they aren't working. There was a fair amount of joking around as team members showed the Citizens' Academy students their "toys."

The presenters filled three long folding tables with (unloaded) firearms, protective gear, non-lethal weapons and other tools of the trade. The unit members explained that most guys on the squad spend their own money on the most effective and up-to-date gear. To the tune of $3,500 to get started, Bambenek explained.

"Every year you keep buying more and more stuff. It's like Christmas, but our wives and girlfriends don't necessarily like it," he said with a grin.

But despite the fun and games, the jokes and "presents," the HRU faces serious and dangerous situations. Bambenek says when a call comes in or training starts the unit snaps into professional mode in an instant.

"The emphasis is not being a professional for yourself, but for the guy on your left and on your right," HRU team leader Officer Matt Fleming said.

The group of HRU members at Citizens' Academy demonstrated a room entry for us, busting into the GFPD fitness center as we waited with our smartphones at the ready to capture photos. They yelled commands, as they would during a real incident, and if I was tempted to heed their demands to "get on the ground!"

The group demonstrated a "flashbang" device used to gain a precious few seconds of shock and awe when entering a hostile situation. They let us climb into their tactical vehicle, the MRAP, or Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicle. There may be some criticism of the so-called "militarization" of police in other cities, but we students seemed pretty excited to take a tour, knowing the vehicle could be a lifesaver to a victim or a police officer if it ever comes to that.

I was excited for the HRU class, having tagged along for training in the past, but I wasn't prepared for the new perspective the lesson would bring me. I tried on Bambenek's 33-pound vest along with some of the other students. He handed me his firearm. It was the first time I've ever touched a real weapon like that. And now I can't wait to go to the range next month.

I watched as showed another student how to see through the scope, as people held sniper rifles and protective shields. It was exciting, empowering and educational. I can say I know and handful of the officers who make up the HRU. I'm eager to meet more of the men and women of the GFPD and learn what their jobs are like, to laugh and gasp at their stories. It's no secret that I love a good story.