The future of law enforcement and especially tactical operations is not to remain strictly adhered to what we’ve learned in the past. CATO, its leadership and its members, are devoted to identifying trends and preparing our roles for present and future missions. There is strength in numbers and to this purpose we share the task of building membership and as an organization emphasizing training, education, collaboration, and camaraderie. If you are a member, thanks for joining. If you’re not a member, take a look around the website, connect with the CATO regional representative in your area and make a commitment to excellence in your chosen profession, advancing your skills, championing education and training, and lending a hand to strengthening the tactical community. There are many ways to become involved. CATO welcomes qualified individuals from across the country or around the world. A large and diverse base of highly trained and skilled members adds to the quality and quantity of services available. Membership is open to current and former members of law enforcement or military.  A Full Membership in the Association will be open to any law enforcement officer employed by a Governmental agency (including Military) who is a current or former member of the SWAT Team, K9 handlers, Negotiators, or Narcotic Enforcement Officers. An Associate Membership in the Association will be open to persons interested in advancing the Association and its goals, pending the approval of the Board.

The following are eligible for CATO membership:

With all aspects of CATO, we consider the end-user foremost in our decision-making process and know that most members pay their own way. With that in mind, we have membership opportunities that fit all budgets:

Benefits of membership include the quarterly CATO News magazine comprised of thought provoking and cutting edge articles, discounts on tactical training and the annual conference, and access to many noted experts in the tactical community. Coming shortly, we hope to add a searchable database of past issues of the CATO News magazines for easy reference.

The roles and missions of specific interest to this organization include:

Note: Prior to membership approval, proof of current or former employment is required. Once the form below is completely filled out and subscription fee is paid for, the user will be directed back to CATOnews.org to setup your CATO account that will allow access to the website and will be marked pending until proof of user’s employment has been reviewed by the CATONews.org vetting committee. Please allow up to 24 hours for review.