SWAT
The Southwest Area Tactical Team
The Southwest Area Tactical Team (SWAT) is a multi-jurisdictional tactical team that was formed in 2012. The Team is comprised of 3 different agencies to include Sapulpa, Sand Springs, and Bixby. The Team currently serves a population of approximately 70,000, but can provide support and resources to the entire Tulsa metro area if requested.
The team is comprised of:
- 25 - Operators
- 10 - Crisis Negotiators
- 4 - Tactical Emergency Medics
- 2 - Administrative / Communications Personnel
- 1 - Mental Health Professional
Purpose
Recognizing that the presence of a highly trained, highly skilled police tactical unit has been shown to substantially reduce injury or loss of life of citizens, police officers, and suspects. Recognizing that a well-managed “Team” response to critical incidents usually results in successful resolution of critical incidents, it is the intent of the Southwest Area Tactical Team to work together to provide a highly trained and skilled tactical team as a resource for those law enforcement agencies in the area.
Special Threats
At an ever-increasing rate, situations involving “special threats” are confronting law enforcement agencies. In many instances, patrol units have neither the manpower, training, nor equipment to effectively cope with these “special threats”. Experience as indicated that when inadequate resources and tactics are used, deaths and injuries may result unnecessarily.
When SWAT Assists
Generally, the Southwest Area Tactical Team will respond to the following incidents and when any situation exceeds the capabilities of standard police resources:
- Active shooters
- Armed or believed to be armed barricaded suspects
- Armed or believed to be armed suicidal persons barricaded or not
- Hostage taking incidents
- Dignitary protection
- High Risk arrest and search warrant execution
- High Risk stakeouts
- High Risk tactical area searches for armed and/or dangerous suspects
Situations, which are beyond the realm of everyday police work, and where SWAT's expertise is required to reduce the risk of injury to civilians, police officers, and suspects.
Mission Statement
The Southwest Area Tactical Team is a highly trained, well equipped, and extremely motivated unit. The Team’s primary mission is to save lives. This unit will respond to incidents to assist in the safe and successful resolution, by apprehending or neutralizing the criminal element involved.