FBI Special Weapons and Tactics Teams are specialized tactical teams of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. SWATSpecial Agents are specially trained to intervene in high-risk events like hostage, barricade and counter-terrorism situations. The FBI maintains SWAT teams at each of its 56 field offices throughout the country varying in size up to about 42 members. In the event of a large-scale problem that local law enforcement does not have the resources to handle, FBI SWAT teams from the local field office, as well as outside the local region, can be dispatched to aid the local authorities. FBI SWAT teams are available for worldwide deployment should the need arise, and can assist in military and intelligence special operations.
Roles
FBI SWAT teams are considered very versatile and can be used in various types of operations. FBI SWAT teams are typically deployed in support of Federal investigations or high-risk situations such as terror attacks.
Utilization
Several factors can determine the use for SWAT. Some of those factors are:
The potential of violence
The potential risk to law enforcement and the public
The location of the warrant service and case requirements
Enhanced FBI SWAT teams
A total of nine to fourteen of the larger FBI SWAT teams bear the designation of "enhanced FBI SWAT" teams; they are specially trained to be able to assist the FBI’s hostage rescue team if needed. Enhanced FBI SWAT teams are typically located at larger field offices, comprise a larger number of personnel than standard teams, in addition to having increased access to additional tactical equipment and methods. As with standard FBI SWAT teams, an enhanced team can deploy overseas in support of military and intelligence special operations.
Equipment
Weapons utilized
FBI SWAT teams carry a variety of weapons that are generally found in most other law enforcement and counter-terrorist tactical teams. The following are some of the primary weapons of FBI SWAT:
The FBI SWAT teams use vehicles similar to those that local SWAT teams use, such as:
Specialized vehicles for insertion into tactical situations and for tactical maneuvering while in tricky situations. This includes Humvees, and MRAP, and sometimes the Lenco Bearcat.
In addition, if the SWAT officers want to avoid detection, they can use a variety of modified/unmarked buses, vans, trucks, or other vehicles that seem normal, such as certain pickups, like the Chevrolet Silverado, Ford F-150/F-250/F-350/F-450, Dodge Ram, certain SUV: Chevrolet Tahoe/Suburban, Ford Expedition, Dodge Durango, certain vans: Ford E Series, Chevrolet Express.
