SWAT / Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT)

Our Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT) are specially trained to deal with crisis situations.

The two units coordinate their responses to deal with high-risk situations -- handling security details and situations involving hostages, barricaded gunmen, or disturbances at civil and corrections facilities.

Our SWAT team comprises 15 deputies trained as tactical operators; a sergeant who acts as entry team leader; a sergeant who acts as team commander; and a team medic/trauma surgeon.

Our Hostage Negotiations Team comprises eight deputies, a team psychologist and a sergeant who acts as team leader.

Both teams are managed by a Lieutenant who acts as team incident commander. They're are also supported by our K9 Unit, Explosive Device Unit (EDU) and Air Unit.

Our tactical team trains 280 hours annually -- studying firearms, specialized weapons, wooded movement and building-entry techniques.

The team has a SWAT van and an armored transport vehicle for deployments.