SWAT

The SWAT team is comprised of members from various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office forming this specialized group of intensely trained tactical operators. To be selected for SWAT each candidate must meet strict requirements and pass a grueling selection process administered by the current team members.

Sheriff’s Office SWAT team members are able to respond to situations that are beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained Sheriff’s Office personnel. Some of these situations include the safe rescue of hostages, effecting the arrest of violent suspects who may be armed and barricaded, serve high-risk warrants, and/or handle all other high-risk public safety threats within Benton County.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team is on call and in the event of a crisis can respond 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The team is made up of 18 members including a team leader, assistant team leader, and entry/perimeter team members. Some members are specialized as long range sharp shooters, less lethal munitions, and explosive entry. All members are specially equipped and highly trained to deal with extremely dangerous and stressful situations. The SWAT team’s training comes twice a month on a wide variety of tactics.
The team’s medical support is provided by paramedics from local fire departments who volunteer their time as tactical medics that train with SWAT and deploy during live operations. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office also has a Crisis Negotiation Team that often deploys with the SWAT team to assist with resolving hostage and barricade situations.

The ultimate goal of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team is to “Save Lives.” SERVARE VITAS!!