The National City Police Department’s SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) Team was established in 1990 to deal with situations which require equipment, techniques, and training which are beyond the norms for most police officers. The SWAT Team initially consisted of 5 trained members, but over the years the team’s personnel roster has risen up to 20 trained members. Personnel assigned to the SWAT Team have other full-time assignments within the Department.

SWAT applicants are selected from a pool of police officers based on a range of criteria including: physical fitness, firearms proficiency, and supervisory recommendations. Members of the team are sent to a SWAT Academy and receive additional specialized training throughout their career on the team. The Department’s Hostage Negotiations Team (HNT) works in conjunction with the SWAT Team.