Special Weapons and Tactics


The Wheeling Police SWAT Team is a highly trained, highly mobile, well-equipped team of police officers employed in situations, which require specialized skills, equipment and training. The word SWAT stands for Special Weapons and Tactics and was the acronym for the original police tactical teams first seen in Los Angeles, California in the early 1960's. The key to an effective SWAT Team is the unity of its members and teamwork applied toward a common goal. The primary operational objective of our SWAT team is to defuse dangerous or potentially dangerous situations with a minimum of risk of harm and danger to officers, civilians and suspects.
	Examples of SWAT Missions
	Recovery of captured or isolated officers Recovery/protection of citizens endangered by gunfire Hostage incidents Armed and/or barricaded suspects Deployment of chemical agents VIP protection and security High risk warrant service Riot situations Patrol Division Support Investigative unit support