A SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team is a specialized unit within a police force, designed to handle high-risk situations that regular officers might not be equipped to manage. These situations can include hostage rescues, counter-terrorism operations, and dealing with heavily armed criminals.

SWAT teams are known for their specialized training and equipment, which often includes automatic firearms, sniper rifles, stun grenades, body armor, and armored vehicles. They are also trained in tactics such as close-quarters combat, crisis negotiation, and de-escalation.

The Sheboygan County SWAT team is a combination of deputies and officers from the Sheboygan County Sheriff's Office, Kohler Police Department, Sheboygan Falls Police Department, Plymouth Police Department, Elkhart Lake Police Department, and the Wisconsin State Patrol.  Members of the Sheboygan County SWAT team are all certified police officers with additional training with specialized training in firearms, close quarters combat, hostage rescues, counter-terrorism operations, breaching techniques, and high-risk arrests.

Furthermore, the SWAT team has a variety of different tools and equipment that help achieve safe outcomes.  Examples of the different tool and equipment are:

• High Caliber Rifles for long-range precision
• Ballistic Helmets, Body Armor, and Ballistic Shields
• Stun/Flash Grenades to disorient suspects
• Battering Rams and Breaching Tools for forcing entry into buildings
• Night Vision Devices for low-light operations
• Tactical Radio Equipment for secure communications amongst team members
• Drones & Robots for building and room clearing

The Sheboygan County SWAT team also uses a 2016 Lenco Industries BearCat armored vehicle.  The BearCat is often referred to as an “armored rescue vehicle.”  Its primary use is to transport SWAT teams to and from high-risk situations, such as hostage rescues, terrorist threats, and encounters with armed suspects. It provides high-level protection against small arms fire, explosives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The vehicle is built with steel armor and ballistic glass capable of withstanding multiple hits.  The BearCat can typically carry a crew of 2 plus up to 10 passengers, depending on the configuration.  It includes features like a rotating roof hatch for weapon mounting, multiple gun ports, emergency lighting, flood lighting, and a powerful diesel engine with four wheel drive capabilities.