Special Weapons and Tactics

The Evansville Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Unit seeks to successfully resolve all critical incidents with a minimal use of force. Wherever possible, negotiated surrender of the suspect(s) is the desired outcome. All life is precious and deadly force will be used only as a last resort to protect innocent lives.

Founded by the police department in 1975, the S.W.A.T. team trains and prepares for missions involving barricaded gunmen, hostage rescue, high risk warrant service, dignitary protection, civil disturbance control and active shooter response.

The team is on-call 24 hours a day and responds immediately to calls for service.

S.W.A.T. officers are selected from volunteers within the Evansville Police Department. Officers must serve a minimum of three years before they can apply for the team. The team selection process involves an extensive testing process. This process tests the officer both physically and mentally