The police sniper is often the most important and misused element of a tactical team. The success or failure of the sniper program rests heavily on those selected to supervise and lead the unit. They are the ones who will make the crucial decisions about selection, equipment, training and deploying snipers in critical incidents. However, they cannot be expected to make these knowledgeable decisions without a thorough understanding of the police sniper, their function, needs, capabilities, and limitations!