Emergency Response Unit (S.W.A.T)
The mission of the S.W.A.T. Team is to provide our office with the capability to safely resolve high-risk situations, which keeps our communities, our citizens, and our staff safe.”
The Renville County Sheriff’s Office joined a partnership with Brown, Lyon and Redwood Counties in 2011 for an Emergency Response Unit, or S.W.A.T. (Special Weapons and Tactics). This decision was made as part of a comprehensive effort to counter an ever-increasing propensity for violence in our society, including in our schools and workplaces.
Some examples of the types of situations where our ERU would be called upon include:
- Hostage situations
- Barricaded suspects
- High risk search warrants/raids
- High risk arrests
- Other situations where the likelihood of armed resistance appears great
The S.W.A.T. Team is operationally deployed only a handful of times each year. However, in order to keep our operators’ skills at their maximum, the team trains together at least one day each month. The team is made up of officers and deputies from each participating county and is led by the ERU Commander. Currently, The Renville County Sheriff’s Office has two deputies assigned to the team.
If you find yourself in an area where a S.W.A.T. Team is deployed, it is very important that you follow some simple rules:
- Do not try to drive or walk into the area
- Stay indoors, stay away from windows and lock your doors
- If you are told to evacuate, follow instructions and comply with the evacuation (Remember: If you are told to evacuate, it is for your safety.)
It is a natural curiosity to try to watch what is going on, but if you can see the team, you are too close and you are likely in danger!