Metropolitan Nashville Police Department - S.W.A.T. Team

S.W.A.T. Team

In 1976 the Metropolitan Nashville Government formed a highly flexible mobile strike force to concentrate on police problems that might otherwise go unchecked in Nashville due to the limitations imposed on field personnel in supplying day-to-day services. This early concept became the foundation for the department’s Metro Unique Situation Team, known then as M.U.S.T.

This team was placed under the direct control of the Metro Police Department’s Training Academy Director and its members were appointed from the training academy’s roll. In 1979 the team was renamed the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.) and in 1983, its membership was opened to personnel throughout the department.

SWAT members are specialists selected, trained, and equipped to resolve high-risk tactical problems. SWAT personnel assist in the department’s response to unusual and high-risk tactical situations. The members have primary assignments from virtually all sections within the department and come together for training and operations. Their constant specialty training and flexibility are the key elements in keeping abreast of a rapidly changing society and the complex problems it generates. The team conducts over 125 SWAT-related missions per year and is equipped with a Lenco BearCat armored rescue vehicle.

The team responds to several categories of tactical situations including:

• Barricaded person situations
• Sniper/counter-sniper situations
• Hostage situations
• High-risk warrant service operations
• Protecting high value persons and property
• Search and rescue operations
• High-risk tactical surveillance and/or narcotics enforcement operations
• Tactical waterborne operations

• High angle, elevated, and aviation operations
• Covert/undercover tactical operations
• Hazardous material, clandestine lab and weapons of mass destruction situations
• Special circumstances such as crowd control and rural searches

In 2004, the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department activated a portion of its SWAT team members to a full-time status. The unit is a plainclothes versatile SWAT unit with its primary focus as combating high-risk suspects who have outstanding warrants. The Special Response Tactical Unit is staffed by active SWAT Team members. Based on the unit's primary tasks of tracking down violent repeat offenders, service of high-risk search/arrest warrants, and assistance with preplanned high-risk operations, the unit is flexible in its shifts and days off.

• Fast Roping

• Police OH-58 Helicopter

• Sniper and Observer

• SWAT and Tactical K-9

• Police MD500 Helicopter

• Non-Dominant Hand Range Work

• Drug Detector K-9

• Police Vehicles

• On Rope

• Drill and Ceremony Team Posting the colors

• Sniper Range Work

• Search Warrant Service