I've always wanted to be part of a group of selfless individuals that's got the
capability to complete any kind of mission or goal and I've gotten that
satisfaction being on the SWAT team. Anytime the SWAT team is activated we know we're
going after someone that's caused harm. Being part of this special group, it means
a lot, it's the reason why I continue to do it because I know that we're
making a difference by taking people like that off the streets.
My name is Officer Jo Escorpiso, my ID is 16510. I'm currently
assigned at Capitol Protection Section and I'm Assistant Team Leader for the
Department's SWAT team.
I knew at a really young age, at around 11 or 12 years old, that law enforcement
was where I wanted to be and it was a, it was a occupation, it was a
career that I wanted. I lived in a lot of bad places, I saw a lot of violence
growing up. I knew in my early teenage years that there was something that I
could do to kind of help the community. Law enforcement was the way to go
and I felt that I could help make a difference. For me there was really
nothing that kind of compared to California Highway Patrol it was
so diverse, it was, there was so many specialty units for the types of
training and responsibilities that I've had, I knew there was a lot of potential
for growth. I was very goal-oriented, I still am,
before I even got on the Department to become a law enforcement officer I was
telling some of my friends in the army that I was at some point going to be
part of a SWAT team. There's so much that that's involved in the SWAT team. We
have a sniper element, we have a high angle ropes rescue element, we have a
breaching team, and more recently with a lot of new technology that we received, we now
have a technology team, but with that we're all cross trained to be operators which
means at anytime you can all make room entries, we're all trained the same way.
Anytime the SWAT team is activated for any type of operation or warrant service
we're typically going after people that are real bad guys, we're actually going
after people, that's, that's caused a lot of harm and havoc. We have the equipment,
we have the training to go out there and do certain jobs that maybe some officers
don't have the training or equipment to do. Part of our duties is that we're
utilized by the Department to conduct training for other, for other units
within the Department, including the warrant service team. We try to give them
all the information that we can to safely conduct whatever missions they
have and to complete the warrant services that they're attached to. We try
to give them the tools that they need so that they can safely conduct their
job, but the ultimate goal is for us to all go home safe. Although we may be wearing
different uniforms throughout the week, our ultimate goal is the same so
that we can all complete the mission and go home. We all have families, we always look
after each other outside of work, when someone's sick, or someone's having a
baby, we always look after each other.
Outside of work staying in shape, being physically and mentally ready for our job, it's all for
my kids. They're my motivating factor. If I could
make a difference and do my part in helping raise them in a safe environment,
then I'm willing to put my life on the line every time and put that tactical uniform
and vest and helmet on to go after someone that's caused havoc and harm in
the community. Hopefully when my time is up with the team that I've done my part,
set a foundation for the new generation of officers to continue this.
We serve the community to keep people safe, not only my loved ones, but everyone's loved
ones including members of this team and that's
why I wear the badge.