New Unit Created To Help Resolve Instense Crimes

The city of Yakima and the Yakima County Department of Corrections are about to enter into a contract that could help save lives and create what's called the Critical Response Unit.

Yakima City Manager Tony O'Rourke says city officials want to start a working relationship with officers in the department of corrections to help with hostage and other intensive negotiations with suspects.

"A number of people who usually get involved with SWAT situations are usually convicts," O'Rourke said Monday. "They have a record. The prison officials know them and that's always a great asset during negotiations." The agreement before the Yakima City Council on Tuesday would form the Critical Response Unit combining officers from the YPD and the Department of Corrections.
The city council meets at 6 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 129 N. Second St.