The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is committed to maintaining a cadre of
highly trained, disciplined, and motivated deputies, who are specifically equipped
and available to respond to critical and/or high-risk incidents, seven days a week,
twenty-four hours a day. Each team member keeps himself/herself available
on a twenty‑four hour basis by telephone, radio, or assigned pager
The Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team shall be comprised of at least 18 deputies.
Their mission, which is not full‑time assignments, is to provide ready response
to situations beyond the capabilities of normally equipped and trained deputies.
This includes the protection and coverage of Very Important Persons (VIPs).
The SWAT team is equipped and trained in the use of a variety of methods for diffusing
the most dangerous situations facing law enforcement, a situation where an individual
or group poses a danger to themselves or others. Using disciplined teamwork, specialized
weapons, and tactical skills, the SWAT team works with others of the agency to bring
a peaceful resolution to critical incidents, such as:
- Arrest of armed and dangerous subjects
- Barricaded subjects
- Hostage situations
- Snipers
- Terrorist incidents
- Suicide attempts involving a weapon
- VIP protection
- Any other situation that challenges or exceeds the weaponry or training level of
patrol deputies
