Definition

Noun: A specialized police unit trained and equipped to handle high-risk, violent, and dangerous situations that are beyond the capabilities of regular police officers. This includes incidents such as hostage rescues, counter-terrorism operations, and apprehending armed suspects.

Usage

The term is used to refer to the specific team itself. It is often used in news reports, official documents, and discussions about law enforcement operations. * The mayor authorized the deployment of the special weapons and tactics team to resolve the standoff. * After hours of negotiation failed, the special weapons and tactics team prepared to enter the building.

Advanced Usage

• The term is almost exclusively used in its full form in formal or descriptive contexts. In common usage, it is almost universally abbreviated to its acronym, SWAT team.
  • The SWAT team was called to the scene.
• It can function attributively (like an adjective) to describe related units, vehicles, or equipment.
  • He received special weapons and tactics team training.
  • The department purchased a new special weapons and tactics team vehicle.

Variants and Related Words

• SWAT team (n.): The standard, universally recognized abbreviation for "special weapons and tactics team."
• Tactical unit (n.): A broader term that can refer to similar specialized police or military teams.
• Emergency Response Team (ERT) (n.): A similar unit, sometimes used interchangeably or to describe a specific type of tactical team.
• Hostage Rescue Team (HRT) (n.): A very specialized type of tactical team focused primarily on hostage situations.

Synonyms

• Tactical squad
• Police tactical unit
• Special operations unit (in a law enforcement context)

Related Phrases

• To call in SWAT / the SWAT team: To request the deployment of this unit.
  • The police chief decided to call in SWAT.
• SWAT operation: A mission conducted by this unit.
  • The successful SWAT operation ended without any civilian casualties.

Noun

1. a squad of policemen who have been trained to deal with violent and dangerous situations