Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)

The Atlantic County Regional SWAT Team is a multi-agency, regional tactical unit serving Atlantic County under the command of the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. The team is comprised of specially selected officers from law enforcement agencies throughout Atlantic County, including the Atlantic County Sheriff’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office assigns qualified personnel to serve as members of the county SWAT Team.

 The SWAT Team is tasked with resolving high-risk incidents that require specialized police tactics, training, and equipment beyond the scope of routine patrol operations. The primary mission of SWAT is to preserve life while minimizing risk to citizens, law enforcement personnel, and suspects. Team responsibilities include, but are not limited to, high-risk warrant service, barricaded subjects, hostage situations, surveillance and intelligence gathering, narcotics enforcement operations, dignitary protection, tactical operations, crowd control and riot response, and other specialized law enforcement missions.

Selection for the SWAT Team requires successful completion of a rigorous testing and evaluation process. Candidates must receive approval from their agency’s Chief Executive Officer and successfully complete a physical fitness assessment, firearms qualification, oral interview conducted by SWAT Team leadership, and a psychological evaluation. Officers are required to achieve and maintain high performance standards throughout the selection process and their tenure on the team. Newly selected members serve a one-year probationary period and must meet annual physical fitness and firearms qualification requirements thereafter.

SWAT Team members participate in regular ongoing training, including specialized instruction in barricade breaching, less-lethal munitions, emergency medical aid, sniper/observer operations, and other advanced tactical skills. Team members are assigned to be on call to respond to critical incidents throughout Atlantic County. The SWAT Team works closely with the Atlantic County Crisis/Hostage Negotiation Team to safely and effectively resolve high-risk situations.