Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team
Since 1975 when the first team was established, BSO's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) teams have responded to some of the county's most dangerous and potentially volatile law enforcement situations. The team is responsible for handling various incidents: barricaded subjects and hostage-taking situations, search/arrest warrant operations, dignitary protection missions and other tactical operations.
Thirty-eight deputies staff the BSO SWAT Team including 8 county firefighter paramedics and 12 negotiators. Members are part-time team members who have collateral functions within the agency. All members are on a 24/7 call out basis and assigned to the Bureau of Regional Services and Specialized Operations.
Qualifying for the team is a rigorous process. Members are selected annually through a very competitive process using various techniques to select only the best available. New team members serve a one-year probationary period with ongoing training in all aspects of SWAT operation.
Team members are required to attend a two week basic SWAT school which is taught by current BSO team members. Training sessions are held weekly and members also attend formal training seminars conducted at other professional relevant training facilities.
Every six months, team members must again re-qualify by successfully passing a physical fitness and firearms examination.
- Specialized Units Main Page
- Aviation Unit
- Bicycle Patrol
- Bomb Squad
- Canine Unit
- Child Protective Investigations Section
- Contractor Licensing and Fraud Unit
- Crime Scene and Crime Lab
- Crime Stoppers Unit
- DUI Unit
- Economic Crime Unit
- Evidence Unit
- Marine Unit and Dive Team
- Motorcycle Unit
- Mounted Patrol
- Criminal Investigations Division
- School Resource Deputy Unit
- Victim Services Unit
BSO SWAT teams practicing
BSO SWAT teams practicing their firearm skills while wearing protective gear and breathing apparatus.
BSO SWAT team members prepare
BSO SWAT team members prepare for the 2007 Super Bowl at Dolphin Stadium by rappelling from a helicopter.
Arrest Search:
View the arrest information and photo of a current incarcerated Broward County inmate.
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Most Wanted
Kareem Jobbar Lightbourne
Ht: 5'7"
Wt: 170 lbs. -
Missing Persons
Brenda Ortiz
Ht: 5'04"
Wt: 170 lbs. -
Found & Forgotten
BS75-10-1408
He was a white male with dark brown hair. He was