West Metro SWAT Team
Wheat Ridge Police operates a joint special weapons and tactics team (SWAT) with the Lakewood Police Department to address unusual occurrences when special tactics and weapons are required.
These situations include: barricaded suspects; hostage situations; high-risk warrant services; VIP security; and, any other situation in which the special skills and ready availability of the SWAT team is needed.
The West Metro SWAT Team works in partnership with other SWAT teams in the county and is a member of the
Rocky Mountain Tactical Team Association
and the
National Tactical Officers Association.
There are three levels of SWAT Team response depending on the circumstance and number of officers needed.
- A SWAT Patrol Team consists of SWAT personnel who are working patrol at the time of the incident;
- A Situational Team response is requested when the patrol team staffing is not sufficient to safely resolve the situation, and
- A full SWAT Team activation is appropriate for situations where the full array of tactical resources are likely to be required.
SWAT Team members are officers and supervisors who have received specialized training in negotiations, tactical response, less-lethal munitions and weapons
.
- SWAT Negotiators are specially trained personnel that are selected from the ranks of both officers and civilian dispatchers.
- SWAT Operators are sworn officers who are cross-trained in key aspects of tactical work such as entry techniques, perimeter duties and specialized munitions.
- Tactical Medics are EMTs and paramedics trained to provide medical support during tactical situations.
