Yes, there is a benefit to this type of training. However, there are costs as well. These units are very expensive. The overwhelming majority are never used for what they were trained to do and the funds that go into these units could be used to reduce crime that is much more prevalent (id theft, gang violence, burglary, etc.). I have been affected by violent crime more than once. The police were absolutely useless every time. If there isn’t a tv camera or a budget increase for the department, they don’t care.
Your example of being taken hostage in such a manner that a hostage rescue unit would be of any assistance is EXTREMELY remote. The chance of a local thug kicking in your door and shooting you straight off is much more likely.
Supporting very expensive training and units using your argument is like arguing to “invest” most of your retirement in lottery tickets because the payoff could be sooooo big. It’s just bad math.
Having said all that, even if the math did work out for your argument, it still would not have been tolerated earlier in our Republic. The Separation of Powers issue has been explained away by justices justifying all sorts of insanity.
.... Like our Military .... I actually believe that Law Enforcement also needs to remain on the cutting razor edge of preparedness. They are on the front lines of the violent life and death battles that wage on our streets here at home. And like you, they want to return home to their loved ones every day after their shift ends. An officer well knows that it is their training and instincts that will allow them to do this. They are the troops on our streets and like any battle that is fought abroad by our military .... they shed their blood to keep us safe. And yes ... sometimes it does become necessary to spend money on training to help them do this.
.... Some could argue that concerns by law enforcement about an ineffective response etc became all too real here in the Los Angeles area for responding officers on February 28, 1997 in the North Hollywood area. (Reference: North Hollywood Shootout) Instantly after the After Action Reports were reviewed ...... The funding and training costs for upgraded equipment, training and firepower that had been denied for years by the bean counters suddenly, for some reason, became necessary. After every event there must be an After Action Report which many times will recommend how the outcome of an event could be improved and with any luck improvements are made.
.... I seem to recall a sobering event on September 11th 2001 that left Law enforcement with the sudden realization that necessitated the funding for equipment and training for adequate response as well as preventative measures to keep those that wish to do us harm from achieving their goals. And yes ... that would necessitate training such as referred to in this article.
.... Heck..... I am not making a philosophical, political or moral argument about the abuse of these units for sociopolitical gains. I am just saying that these training events and exercises are necessary and have their place in the scheme of things and help to keep them prepared for what might happen in the future. That is all about being prepared. The key is to maintain proper preparedness in the eventuality of their need. We can theorize all we want until we are blue in the face about what the these training exercises of the tactical units will be used for .... but the fact is that this training experience may well be necessary when the time comes.
.... It is much better to be prepared that to be sorry.