FBI Buffalo SWAT
(Special Weapons and Tactics)

                                    

   

MISSION:  Employ specialized capabilities, weapons and tactics to conduct high risk arrests, specialized entries and security operations in support of Bureau, Division and case specific missions.

SWAT MISSIONS: 

     High Risk Arrests (armed and dangerous subjects)

     Hostage Rescue

     Car Stops

     Tubular Assaults (aircraft, trains and buses)

     Stronghold Assaults (structures requiring specialized breaching equipment)

     Fugitive Tracking (Rural environments)

     Operations in WMD environments

     Dignitary Protection

     Coordinate multi-location warrant service

     Site surveys for high visibility events

     Specialized sniper operations

UTILIZATION:

    Employment of the SWAT Team is determined by SAC Buffalo.  Some of the factors considered in determining SWAT utilization are the potential violence of the subject, potential risk to law enforcement and the public, location of the warrant service and case requirements.

TEAM ORGANIZATION: 

    The team is organized into the following elements: Command, Assault, Sniper, Medical, Communications and Negotiations.

TEAM SELECTION:

    Selection for SWAT Team operators is rigorous and highly competitive.  Operators must pass a demanding tryout focusing on physical fitness, firearms skills, decision making ability under stressful conditions and ability to function well in a team environment.  Membership on the team is voluntary. Operators selected to the team are initially placed in a probationary status until specific criteria are met before becoming primary operators.

WEAPONS:

    FBI SWAT Teams carry a variety of weapons generally found in most other law enforcement and counterterrorist tactical teams.  The following are the primary weapons and not all inclusive:

     MP-5/10 Submachine gun

     M-4 Assault Rifle

     M1911A1 Custom Pistol (.45 cal)

     Glock 22 Pistol (.40 cal)

     Remington 870 Shotgun

     Precision Arms Sniper Rifle (.308 cal)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

     The Buffalo SWAT Team has accomplished numerous missions with outstanding success throughout the past year.  In September of 2004, the team won the Erie County Tactical Task Force SWAT Competition.