SWAT Sniper covering the movement of an Entry Team during a training exercise

The Huntington Beach Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team (S.W.A.T.) was established in 1974. The purpose was to train and equip a specialized group of police officers that could work together as a disciplined team to meet the changing needs of law enforcement.

Originally, ten police officers were selected for the S.W.A.T. Team. Today, the Team consists of one S.W.A.T. Commander with the rank of Lieutenant, two Sergeants, sixteen Police Officers, four Tactical Paramedics and one Trauma Surgeon, who is a Technical Reserve Officer. Lt. Cottriel is the current SWAT Commander.

The official "SWAT pin" that team members are authorized to wear on their regular police uniforms.

The Huntington Beach Police S.W.A.T. Team is prepared to handle hostage situations, barricaded suspect incidents, active shooter situations, the service of high-risk search and arrest warrants, riot and crowd control and dignitary protection.

An important component to the S.W.A.T. Team is the Crisis Negotiation Team (C.N.T.). It consists of two Sergeants and ten Police Officers. These officers are specially trained to communicate and defuse situations involving individuals who are in crisis.

Most high-risk incidents are resolved through communication. The S.W.A.T. Team

has only used lethal force one time in 30 years. Across the country, the statistics show that most high-risk incidents become stabilized and the suspects are less likely to fire shots after a S.W.A.T. Team has arrived.

The community of Huntington Beach can be confident in the abilities of their Special Weapons and Tactics Team. The officers are well trained and equipped, experienced, disciplined and believe in their primary goal, which is to save lives.

SWAT officer standing on skids over the Pacific Ocean

SWAT officers assaulting a roof top

Pencil artwork of SWAT team member taking aim with MP-5. (Rendering drawn by HBPD's own Officer M. Garcia.)

SWAT Team cross-training with Huntington Beach Fire Department

Team member relaying information at robbery barricade