What is S.W.A.T.

S.W.A.T. stands for “Special Weapons and Tactics.” The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. team is compiled of twenty (20) deputies at this time but are slotted for twenty-six (26).

S.W.A.T. Officers are selected from volunteers within the department and must undergo rigorous selection and training. They must pass stringent physical agility, oral interview and psychological testing to ensure they not only are fit enough but also psychological suited for tactical operations. Emphasis is also placed on physical fitness so an officer will be able to withstand the rigors of tactical operations. The S.W.A.T. team is on call twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week, and this is in addition to their regular assignment duties. They are a well-disciplined, well trained, efficient unit that can be utilized by the Sheriff in situations where officers are at a disadvantage.

Although the officers on the S.W.A.T. team usually deal with hostage situations, threats of suicide and other high threat level situations they also volunteer and are available to take part in community events. The citizens of Hamilton County will see members of the S.W.A.T. team collecting toys at Christmas or showing children and adults who attend the Hamilton County Fair, vehicles and equipment that are utilized when on an S.W.A.T. call.

The HCSO S.W.A.T. team works closely with the Homeland Security District 111 tactical response team that is comprised of multiple law enforcement agencies within our ten county region. They also work and train with S.W.A.T. teams in area counties and agencies.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office S.W.A.T. Commander is Sergeant Mark King and Executive Officer is Corporal Spencer Daniels.