By Tammy Thornton
How often have we heard an eyewitness after a tragedy exclaim, “I never thought something like this could happen here”? Well, rest assured, the Atlantic County Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team makes sure when dangerous situations occur, they are prepared to answer the call. In addition to their other extensive training exercises, the Atlantic County SWAT conducts drills throughout each month at various locations to learn and practice tactical skills. Team commanders set up different scenarios for four squads, with specific topics in mind.
On Jan. 11 and 18, they chose the Linwood Public Library and Our Lady of Sorrows Church to conduct “real-life” drills in full uniform. The team went through multiple scenarios, practicing searching sections of these older buildings where a perpetrator might hide. Each group is made up of both seasoned SWAT officers and those that are newer to the team. The team leaders expose the officers to new situations that they have not encountered before so that they can build on their training. Since each of the SWAT officers is on a police force of a municipality in Atlantic County, these highly specialized officers take back what they have learned in training to their local police squads.
The Atlantic County SWAT is a multi-agency regional tactical team commanded by the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office. Members from various police agencies within the county make up the team to include corrections officers, patrol officers, detectives, and investigators. They are responsible for resolving situations that require extraordinary police actions, tactics, or equipment. The team may be called in for missions such as drug raids, high-risk search warrants or car stops, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, armed stakeout, dignitary protection, or to work with hostage crisis negotiation team members. Of course, their goal is to resolve these high-risk situations while preserving life and limiting hazards to citizens, police personnel, and suspects.
SWAT officers must meet certain criteria and go through rigorous testing and training to qualify for the team. Their specialized training is both physically and mentally challenging. Team members are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and they are able to respond immediately from their locations to any callouts or incidents.
You may have an opportunity to see SWAT officers under less stressful situations, as these officers will often attend special Boy Scouts meetings, National Night Out, or other police-related events. We applaud these officers and appreciate their commitment to keeping our community safe.
Tammy Thornton lives with her husband, children, and crazy pets while enjoying a life of gardening, cooking, and going to the beach.
