The Calaveras Sheriff SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team is a specially trained tactical unit charged with performing high-risk operations that fall outside the abilities of standard sheriff’s deputies. The SWAT team is comprised of sworn deputy sheriff’s from various divisions throughout the department. Those deputies who are interested in joining SWAT must first pass a selection process that includes a rigorous physical fitness test, stress-induced firearms qualifications, and a team interview. The new member must then successfully complete a basic SWAT school. SWAT team members receive continual specialized training in diverse weapons systems, less-lethal and chemical munitions, and tactical responses. The team works in conjunction with the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT), Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit (EOD), tactical dispatchers, and other jurisdiction’s SWAT teams.

The purpose of the SWAT team is to successfully resolve high-risk situations with a minimum loss of life, injury, or property damage, and to provide special weapons and tactical support to incidents that fall outside the training level of regular deputies.

Some of the duties include:

• Hostage Rescue
• Barricaded Suspects
• High-risk warrant service
• Downed officer and citizen rescue
• VIP protection
• Counter-sniper operations
• Perimeter security
• Active shooter response
• Engaging/arresting heavily-armed suspects
• Intelligence gathering