Horry
County Police SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics Team) under the command of
Captain Kris Leonhardt is part of the Special Operations Division. SWAT
consists of 21 Police Officers, 1 team commander and 2 team leaders who are on
call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The unit's highly motivated and specially
trained personnel provide tactical response to hostage situations, barricaded
persons, sniper and terrorism incidents, crowd control during major
disturbances or civil disturbances, work or school place violence, high-risk
search warrant entries for various investigative units, including Narcotics,
and Violent Crimes, heavy water rescues and officer down rescues as well as
supporting other local, state, and federal agencies upon request.
The SWAT team
specializes in various firearms and less than lethal options. They also support
departmental precincts by conducting drug emphasis backup and respond with
patrol on high-risk calls for service. In addition, SWAT works directly with the
department's Explosive Ordinance Division, Bloodhound Tracking Team and Crisis
Negotiation Team to resolve hostage incidents non-violently. While the goal of
every Police Officer is to save lives and de-escalate the potential for
violence, there are times when a violent suspect must be prevented from killing
innocent victims or bystanders.
SWAT
marksmen are highly trained and disciplined to make precision rifle shots at
varying distances. They conduct specialized operations to include
reconnaissance, over-watch, and long-range precision marksmanship utilizing
purpose-built equipment. The marksmen team conduct monthly training in addition
to their SWAT training.
To
maintain the skills necessary to handle high-risk situations, SWAT members
train rigorously on a bi-weekly basis. Team members receive over 200 training
hours annually with specialized firearms and equipment, less lethal
options, physical fitness, building entry (to include explosive
breaching), building clearing, active shooter training, counter sniper
operations, and chemical dispersion.
Individuals
interested in testing for SWAT should be prepared for a physically demanding,
fast paced environment with the ability to effectively carry-out advanced
tactical maneuvers.