Special Weapons And Tactics (S.W.A.T.)
In October, 1994, the Parkersburg Police Department established a S.W.A.T. Unit (Special Weapons and Tactics).
This unit is used to handle high risk situations. Among these are high risk warrant service, stand-offs, dignitary protection, searches for people, etc.
The officers involved are volunteers from the various units within the department, appointed by the Chief of Police. There is a rigorous testing process in place for admission to the team.
The S.W.A.T. Team has been extensively trained all types of firearms, tracking, land navigation, unarmed self-defense, rappelling, vehicle assaults, etc.
The officers receive no additional pay for this very demanding and dangerous assignment.
Training
Unit members have received training from the F.B.I., D.E.A., A.T.F., U.S. Army Special Forces, Metro Dade SWAT, Ohio Highway Patrol S.R.T., U.S. Marines S.R.T., and the Secret Service. The team is required to attend a minimum of one advanced school per year. They train two times a month in a variety of settings.
Members have specialized equipment issued to them and are prepared to respond quickly when they are needed and are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Volunteers are tested periodically to fill vacancies caused by promotion, reassignment, etc.
