Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) was formed to provide a ready response to situations that are beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained Department personnel.


Contrary to popular belief SWAT is a life preserving unit, designed to safeguard the lives of the innocent, and where possible arrest offenders to enable their prosecution. SWAT officers have specific duties which include:

- containment & resolution of hostage situations
- assisting or executing high-risk warrants
- dispersal & control of large scale public disorder
- specialist methods of entry into buildings and vehicles
- specialist and large area methods of search of open land, premises, vehicles and persons.


In addition to these duties SWAT officers patrol in marked police cruisers and assist divisional staff by providing a visible police presence and also responding to incidents where they feel their assistance as additional police officers, or as SWAT, may be required.