SWAT

SWAT stands for Special Weapons And Tactics.  This unit is highly-trained and provides 24/7 response to:

• barricaded persons
• active shooting scenes
• high risk search warrants
• crowd control during large-scale disturbances or riots
• sniper incidents
• terrorism threats

Much of what SWAT does is support other units and agencies. SWAT is often called out to support: 

• Investigations or patrol on high risk scenes
• SPD's Hostage Negotiation Team
• Security and protection for visiting dignitaries and heads of state
• Regional law enforcement agencies who do not have SWAT trained officers on staff

TRAINING and SKILLS SWAT members are chosen for their discipline, skill set, and physical and mental fitness.  They train rigorously on a weekly basis to keep their skills sharp.  Many SWAT officers are experts in certain skills, so they also act as instructors for their peers.  Their areas of expertise include: 

• Crisis Intervention
• Hostage Negotiation
• De-Escalation
• Tasers
• Other Less Lethal Weapons
• Rappelling
• Rifle Marksmanship