GBPD S.W.A.T.
SWAT team members in front of the Mobile Command Center
S.W.A.T. stands for Special Weapons and Tactics, and "SWAT teams" nationwide are employed during high risk calls and during other special circumstances. The Green Bay Police Department SWAT team currently features one team consisting of tactical officers, negotiators, command center radio operators, and officers-in-charge.
During 2002, the Green Bay Police Department's SWAT team was called into service 20 times. The GBPD SWAT team served 11 high risk warrants. These warrants were served for the Brown County Drug Task Force, the Community Police Officers, and the Ashwaubenon Public Safety Department. The SWAT team was also called out on 9 high risk calls.
Here are a few of the calls that stood out during the year. First, the SWAT team was called out to search the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary for two armed suspects who fled a car after a chase that started from a drive-by shooting. They were successful in locating one suspect and a weapon. Second, the SWAT team was called out after a male party shot a victim several times and then barricaded himself with the weapon. Gas was deployed to get the party to surrender peacefully. After this failed, the tactical team made an entry to the home and the party was taken into custody. Third, the SWAT team was used to search several homes looking for a party that tried to take the life of one of our fellow officers.
In the 3 above calls and another 17 not mentioned, the SWAT team did an outstanding job in 2002. One of the most important factors that made this an outstanding year is the fact that after all 20 calls, everyone from the SWAT team made it home safely. It is not just by luck that the SWAT team has been successful in its operations and sending everyone home safe. It comes from a lot of hard work and many hours of training. The SWAT team has several very experienced members who have been on over 200 call-outs during their careers. This experience is very important during training and call-outs.
The department thanks these officers for their hard work and dedication to the SWAT team. At times, we forget what these officers give up to be a SWAT team member—on call 24 hours a day, late night or early morning calls, and being on call while on vacation or days off.
Officers in Charge
Capt. Demro, Commander
Capt. Deuster, Assistant OIC
The SWAT team is used on these types of calls because of its specialized equipment and training. Some of the areas that the SWAT team specializes in are gas deployment, diversionary devices (i.e. flash bangs), less lethal weapons (i.e. beanbag shotguns), explosive entries, marksmen (sniper), and many more. The team trains monthly on serving high-risk warrants, hostage rescue, barricaded suspects, officer down rescue, and covert entries.