Oregon State Police tried unsuccessfully to prevent the release of the internal recruitment email to The Oregonian, arguing that it revealed confidential tactics.

The email carried the subject line “More opportunities await…” and included several attached images of SWAT officers at work.

It said: “Are you jonesing to fire 40mm less lethal rounds and gas munitions through windows, gables, cameras, and at fleeing suspects?

“How about tossing diversions (flash bangs) or launching gas cannisters with a shotgun launcher?

“Anyone want to shoot some pepperball into vehicles or basements or crawlspaces or the attics of houses to flush out hiding suspects?”

It also cheerfully added: “Don’t get me wrong, we are human and make a ton of mistakes. We are no better than any of you.”

Oregon State Police has since distanced itself from the content of the email.

A spokesperson told The Oregonian: “The email was not in line with OSP values and appropriate action was taken as a result.

“Any glamorisation of the use of force is not only contrary to agency values, but contradictory to the SWAT team’s history of resolving public safety incidents with a reduction of force.”