SWAT

SWAT is an acronym for Special Weapons and Tactics. The Boynton Beach Police Department's SWAT team was established in the mid-70's and is one of the oldest in Palm Beach County. It is comprised of sworn police officers who work in all capacities within the department.

These officers are on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in order to address and resolve the following types of problems:

• Hostage rescue

• Crime suppression

• Providing high-ground and perimeter security against snipers for visiting dignitaries;

• Providing superior assault firepower in certain situations, e.g. barricaded suspects;

• Rescuing officers and citizens captured or endangered by gunfire

• Countering terrorist operations;

• Resolve high-risk situations with a minimum loss of life, injury or property damage;

• Resolve situations involving barricaded subjects, (specifically covered by a Crisis Intervention Team);

• Stabilize situations involving high-risk suicidal subjects;

• Provide assistance on drug raids, arrest warrants and search warrants;

• Provide additional security at special events;

• Stabilizing dangerous situations dealing with violent criminals (such as rapists, serial killers or gangs).

SWAT personnel are dedicated, highly-trained, motivated officers who may be called upon to use any specialized piece of equipment, weapon or operational tactic to resolve the situations mentioned above.