Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT)

The Douglas County SWAT team is a multi-agency tactical team comprised of deputies from Douglas County, as well as commissioned officers from the Parker, Castle Rock, and Lone Tree police departments. The team was established in 1984 to meet the special policing issues of our rapidly growing community. The team structure includes an Operations Commander, Tactical Commander, and Team Leaders. The team includes entry elements, K-9 elements, sniper elements, bomb squad, and a tactical paramedic unit.

Another component of the SWAT team is the Crisis Negotiation Team. Negotiators provide a non-lethal approach to ending volatile situations and intelligence support.

The SWAT team trains 20 hours per month and has a wide-range of specialized weapons and equipment available to fulfill its missions. SWAT team members are required to maintain high standards of physical fitness and weapons proficiency, both of which are regularly tested.

Team Missions

The unit's missions include:

  • Active killer situations
  • Barricaded individuals
  • Drug raids
  • Executive / dignitary protection
  • Fugitive apprehension
  • High-risk warrant service
  • Hostage situations