SWAT

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team is comprised of agency members and has one of the most intense training programs within the Apopka Police Department. They are a dedicated team of selected personnel prepared for successfully resolving critical incidents exceeding the capabilities of law enforcement first responders. SWAT Team members are trained in the use of advanced tactics and specialized weapons/equipment to allow them to effectively handle difficult and dynamic situations to include hostage rescue, armed barricaded subjects, high-risk search warrants, and violent fugitive apprehensions.

Their equipment is state of the art in the tactical field featuring armored vehicles such as the MRAP – Mine Resistant Ambush Protected. They are specialists in high risk search warrants, barricaded suspects, hostage rescue and precision shooting.

The team is established to provide a trained unit to assist other divisions in the department in resolving “special threat” tactical situations that may arise in the City of Apopka or member jurisdictions. The SWAT team may be activated to enhance the capabilities of the department, foster effective resolution strategies, and ultimately safeguard lives in situations including, but not limited to: barricaded suspect incidents, sniper incidents, high risk warrant service, and other circumstances where department leadership deems it necessary to utilize the team for the safety of all involved. Some operations may be outside the scope of the team and other teams from neighboring jurisdictions may be called for assistance. The incident commander should weigh risk versus benefit and the value when determining department actions.