What Does SWAT Team do?

Answer 1

A S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons And Tactics)[1][2] team is an elite paramilitary Special Operations tactical unit in American and some international law enforcement departments. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers. Their duties include performing hostage rescues and counter-terrorism operations, serving high risk arrest and search warrants, subduing barricaded suspects, and engaging heavily-armed criminals. A SWAT team is often equipped with specialized firearms including assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, carbines, riot control agents, stun grenades, and high-powered rifles for snipers. They have specialized equipment including heavy body armor, entry tools, armored vehicles, advanced night vision optics, and motion detectors for covertly determining the positions of hostages or hostage takers inside of an enclosed structure.

Answer 2

SWAT duties include:

• Hostage rescue
• Riot control
• Perimeter security against snipers for visiting dignitaries
• Providing superior assault firepower in certain situations, e.g. barricaded suspects
• Rescuing officers or citizens endangered by gunfire
• Counter-terrorist operations
• Resolving high-risk situations with a minimum loss of life, injury, or property damage
• Resolving situations involving barricaded subjects (specifically covered by a Hostage Barricade Team)
• Stabilizing situations involving high-risk suicidal subjects
• Providing assistance on arrest warrants and search warrants
• Providing additional security at special events
• Special stealth operations with silenced or suppressed weapons