Special Weapons
and Tactics
The Monterey County Sheriff's SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team is an essential component of law enforcement, designed to handle high-risk situations beyond the scope of daily police activities. Though this is a specialized collateral assignment at the Sheriff’s Office, members must be available to respond to emergency calls any time of day, 7-days a week. The team is comprised of Three Sergeants and 21 Deputies totaling a 24-person team.
Deputies must complete patrol training before they can participate in a testing process to become a member of the SWAT Team. Once selected, members must pass a stringent and challenging two-week SWAT School that is approved by California POST and designed to test a deputy’s ability to mentally and physically perform in stressful situations.
The SWAT Team’s responsibilities are multifaceted, demanding a combination of skill, training, and dedication. The MCSO SWAT team is called upon in dangerous scenarios such as hostage situations, armed standoffs, active shooter scenarios, or incidents involving violent and dangerous criminals. This team’s goal is to defuse these situations with minimal harm to civilians, law enforcement personnel, and suspects.
Another critical function our SWAT team is the execution of high-risk warrant services. These operations often involve serving arrest or search warrants to suspects considered to be armed and dangerous or involved in severe criminal activities. The approach to these operations is meticulously planned to minimize risks to all parties.
Additionally, the MCSO SWAT team often collaborates with and serves other local state and federal law enforcement agencies. MCSO SWAT team serves as the tactical team for South Monterey County Cities in addition to San Benito County as well. This coordination is vital for information sharing, pooling resources, and ensuring operational success, especially in situations that cross jurisdictional boundaries.
In addition to tactical operations, the MCSO SWAT team is heavily involved in continuous and comprehensive training. This training encompasses a wide range of skills including firearms proficiency, less lethal/chemical agent training, tactical maneuvering, tactical breaching, negotiation, medical aid, and understanding the legal aspects of use-of-force. Such rigorous preparation ensures we are ready to respond effectively to emergencies when called upon.
Apart from their tactical responsibilities, our SWAT team also plays a role in community relations. We engage in educational programs, public safety demonstrations, and other outreach activities. We see these efforts as crucial in building relationships and maintaining trust between the law enforcement and the community we serve.
Overall, the Sheriff's SWAT team is a vital asset in the law enforcement structure at the Sheriff’s Office, equipped to handle high-risk and complex situations. Their specialized training and capabilities enable them to effectively address scenarios that are too challenging for deputies. While their primary role is tactical response, their involvement in community relations and inter-agency cooperation underscores their comprehensive contribution to public safety and security.
