Fort Worth SWAT Support Group

The Fort Worth Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Section is part of the Tactical Operations Division. The primary mission is to respond to and resolve emergency situations associated with: barricaded persons, hostage rescue, riot and crowd control, counter sniper operations, dignitary protection and high risk search and arrest warrants. S.W.A.T. is a full time team made up of 27 members (1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, 3 corporals and 20 officers). The unit is funded through the general police department budget. 

Before being assigned to S.W.A.T., each officer must pass a tactical assessment and physical fitness test. During their tenure with S.W.A.T., officer must maintain their physical conditioning and enhance their tactical skill set. At the minimum, all officers attend both Basic and Advanced S.W.A.T. training courses. Team leaders, supervisors, and the commander receive additional training in hostage negotiation and command courses. Because of the limited funds available for training, officers routinely pay for additional training out of their own pocket. Some of the additional skill sets that officers look to enhance through training are: rifle and pistol skills, explosive breaching, rappelling, and sniper skills.