FBI Special Weapons and Tactics Teams

FBI Special Weapons and Tactics Teams are specialized tactical teams (SWAT) of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). SWAT agents are specially trained to intervene in high-risk events like hostage and barricade situations.^[1] The FBI maintains SWAT teams at each of its 56 field offices throughout the country varying in size up to about 42 members.^[2][3] 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.

Roles

SWAT teams are considered very versatile and can be used in many different Mission Types.^[4]

Examples

• High risk arrests (armed and dangerous subjects)
• Hostage rescue
• Car stops
• Tubular assaults (aircraft, trains, buses, etc.)
• Stronghold assaults (structures requiring specialized breaching equipment that local law enforcement might not have access to)
• Fugitive tracking (in rural environments)
• Operations in WMD environments
• Dignitary protection
• Coordinate multi-location warrant service
• Site surveys for high visibility events
• Aircraft Hijackings
• Specialized sniper operations^[4][2][5]

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^[4]

Enhanced FBI SWAT Teams

A total of nine 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,^[5] Enhanced FBI SWAT teams while comprising a larger number of personnel than regular teams in addition to having access to a more extensive range tactical equipment and are also available for a worldwide deployment should the need arise.^[2][5]

Equipment

Weapons utilized

FBI SWAT Teams carry a variety of weapons that are generally found in most other law enforcement and counterterrorist tactical teams. The following are some of the primary weapons of FBI SWAT:

• The MP5/10 Submachine gun
• The M4 Carbine
• The M1911A1 Springfield Professional Custom Pistol (.45 ACP)
• The Glock 22 Pistol (.40 S&W)
• The Remington 870 Shotgun^[2]
• A Semi-Automatic or bolt action precision rifle (.308 cal)^[4]

Vehicles utilized

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.
• In addition, if the SWAT officers want to avoid detection, they can use a variety of modified buses, vans, trucks, or other vehicles that would seem normal.

References