Special Weapons and Tactics

The formation of a special purpose tactical squad evolves from the concept that a team can more effectively and safely be employed in an enforcement confrontation than a larger or lesser trained group of people.

A tactical squad will consist of a group of highly motivated, well conditioned, specially equipped individuals trained to function in tactical oneness under a variety of situations. It is believed that in confronting a criminal with such a superior force any inclination to violent resistance will be discouraged.

The objective of the SWAT team is to utilize the minimum amount of force necessary to achieve a successful conclusion of an operation, with minimum hazard to citizens, property, and deputies involved. SWAT’S MISSION IS TO SAVE LIVES.

SWAT is a support element of the department and will be utilized when a situation requires the use of their specialized capabilities. SWAT will implement and carry out appropriate tactics in situations that call for law enforcement intervention.

The following are examples of situations that, by their nature, require the deployment of special weapons and tactics:

• Armed suspect with hostage
• Barricaded gunman or suspected barricaded gunman
• Sniper or suspected sniper
• High risk felony arrest warrants
• Securing building in the service of search warrants
• Use of chemical agents
• Riot or potential riot
• VIP security/security of life threatened citizens
• High risk prisoner transportation
• Jail uprising