California Association of Tactical Officers Conference

California Association of Tactical Officers Conference (CATO)

WHAT: California Association of Tactical Officers Conference

WHERE: Anaheim, California

WHEN: Fall, 2015 – September 21st to 24th

WHO: “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.” “A tactical team members by and for tactical team members.”

WHAT THEY SAY IT IS: A gathering aiming to “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 website; 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.”

 

CATO IN-DEPTH:

The CATO conference takes place in Anaheim, California. In 2015 it ran from September 21 to 24th. Established as a 501-C-3, CATO was established as an organization “of tactical team members by and for tactical team members.” With over 38.3 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 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’s self definition harkens back to the militarization of LAPD in the 1960s. CATO works to meet the need for specially trained and equipped police to resolve and “ever-increasing number of dangerous situations.”

 

CATO’S GOALS: Goal is 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 website; 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.

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CATO’s own magazine: CATO News