Special Weapons And Tactics (S.W.A.T.)
Marion County Inter-agency Special Weapons and Tactics Team is a multifunctional unit made up of law enforcement deputies and police officers. Their mission is to bring a peaceful resolution to any potentially violent situation where loss of life or extreme property damage may be a factor. SWAT members are handpicked after demonstrating proficiency in a variety of tests including weapons use, strength and agility, climbing, and marksmanship. After selection, rigorous ongoing training continues to ensure individual skills are always current and members remain in top-notch condition.
SWAT members are chosen from cooperating law enforcement agencies throughout the county and are always on call to respond. Members of the team are cross-trained within each unit to better utilize their skills and fill in a position if a member is injured or not available. Although a team, SWAT has two separate units within the team, the Tactical Negotiation Team (TNT) and Tactical Team.
TNT members are trained in proven communications skills to defuse a situation and prevent hostile and/or deadly actions from escalating. Their techniques, field tested by personal communications specialists, are very effective and the first course of action the SWAT commander relies upon before physical force is considered. Although the Tactical Team is always on-scene and ready when the order is given, the TNT never stops or gives up. If communications fail or TNT is not successful in "talking a situation down", the tactical team is activated, as the negotiations continue.
The Tactical Team is made up of members, trained to end the most dangerous, violent situations without the loss of life, injury, or property damage. This unit is trained in dealing with barricaded subjects, hostage situations, serving high risk warrants, and various dignitary protection details. Their means of controlling a situation range from less lethal and physical force, to an array of weapons, chemical agents, and munitions. Since the formation of the Special Response Team in the late ‘90's, there has been no loss of life to a team member or subject and, only one serious injury to a hostage taker.