Lee McMillion: Inside LAPD D-Platoon (SWAT)

In this episode, we take a deep dive into LAPD D-Platoon (aka SWAT) with Lee McMillion, one of the two Lieutenants who currently lead the unit. We discuss the history of SWAT, the current configuration of the team, the specialized cadres within the team, and what happens when the team is activated. We also discuss how they select the right personnel, leading a team of high achievers, maintaining high standards, and trying to support personnel who are constantly engaged in dangerous and potentially traumatic events. Today’s Guest - Lt. Lee McMillion. Lee is currently one of the two Lieutenants leading the Los Angeles Police Departments Metropolitan Division D-Platoon - also known as LAPD SWAT. In total, Lee has spent 33 years as a Los Angeles Policeman of which 23 years have been spent at Metro, 21 with D-Platoon. Lee is one of only three men to have ever served at all possible ranks at D-Platoon (Officer, Plus 1, Sgt, and Lt.). Lee has been an element member, an element leader, a squad leader and is currently a Platoon Leader. In his career, Lee has participated in well over a thousand tactical operations with a wide variety of mission sets.