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SWAT Team
Servare
Vitas- “To Save Lives” This is the motto for the Benton County Sheriff’s
Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.). The SWAT team is comprised
of members from various divisions of the Sheriff’s Office forming this
specialized group of intensely trained tactical operators. To be selected for
SWAT each candidate must meet strict requirements and pass a grueling selection
process administered by the current team members.
 Sheriff’s Office SWAT team members are able to respond to situations that are
beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained Sheriff’s Office
personnel. Some of these situations include the safe rescue of hostages,
effecting the arrest of violent suspects who may be armed and barricaded, serve
high-risk warrants, and/or handle all other high-risk public safety threats
within Benton County.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team is on call 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week and can respond at a moments notice in the event of a crisis. The team is
made up of 11 members including a team leader, assistant team leader, and
entry/perimeter team members. Some members are specialized as long range sharp
shooters, less lethal munitions, and explosive entry. All members are specially
equipped and highly trained to deal with extremely dangerous and stressful
situations. The SWAT team’s training comes twice a month on a wide variety of
tactics.
The team’s medical support is provided by paramedics from local fire
departments who volunteer their time as tactical medics that train with SWAT and
deploy during live operations. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office also has a
Crisis Negotiation Team that often deploys with the SWAT team to assist with
resolving hostage and barricade situations.
The ultimate goal of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team is to “Save
Lives.” SERVARE VITAS!!
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