SWAT

The Ontario Police Department’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was established as a result of the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. This elite team is composed of a select group of sworn officers who undergo specialized, ongoing training in handling high-risk law enforcement situations. Their training prepares them for situations that could potentially endanger the lives of citizens or officers.

The core mission of SWAT is to reduce risk and safeguard life and property in volatile scenarios. These typically include incidents involving armed or barricaded suspects, with or without hostages, who may present a significant threat to citizens and officers when they refuse to submit to arrest. SWAT is called to execute high risk search and arrest warrants, especially those that carry a high level of risk.  SWAT team members may also be tasked with providing executive protection in certain cases.

Additionally, SWAT operations are often supported by our Crisis Response Team (CRT) who negotiates with the suspects.  CRT plays a critical role in de-escalating tense situations by engaging in professional negotiations, working closely with the SWAT team to ensure the safe resolution of potentially lethal confrontations. This collaborative effort between SWAT and CRT helps minimize the risk of harm to all parties involved.