Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT) Unit

About the Unit

The Chisago County Sheriff's Office Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Unit operates with the highest regard to preserve life in high risk situations through the use of specialized training, equipment, and tactics in a dedicated and professional manner that inspires confidence in the community.

The SWAT Unit is operationally deployed when a situation dictates the need of specialized equipment and tactically trained officers. Those calls for assistance include other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. The SWAT Unit is utilized for incidents such as hostage situations and negotiations, barricaded suspects, service of high risk warrants, drug raids search warrants, searches for armed subjects, VIP protection, stakeouts and undercover surveillance, civil disorder and other special events. SWAT handles any incident, which has a propensity for armed confrontations, which through containment and specialized tactics would more likely be resolved without injury or loss of life.

Chisago County Sheriff's Office SWAT Unit Members, whether a law enforcement officer or paramedic, meet strict requirements and go through a rigorous selection process. The unit trains twice per month to be prepared to handle a variety of high-risk critical incidents. SWAT members are on call 24-hours a day, 7 days a week. This is in addition to their regular duties and assignments.

If you find yourself in an area where the SWAT Unit 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 the windows
• 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 action, you are too close and you are in danger.

Email Captain, Andrew Mahowald with questions or call him at 651-213-6303.