Originally Posted by roachboy

why do we "need" them exactly?

Originally Posted by Wikimonster

SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) is a specialized unit in many American police departments, which is trained to perform dangerous operations. These can include serving high-risk arrest warrants, performing hostage rescue and/or armed intervention, preventing terrorist attacks, and engaging heavily-armed criminals.

SWAT duties include:

* protecting emergency personnel against snipers;
* providing high-ground and perimeter security against snipers for visiting dignitaries;
* providing controlled assault firepower in certain non-riot situations, e.g., barricaded suspects;
* rescuing officers and citizens captured or endangered by gunfire
* neutralizing guerilla or terrorist operations.
* catching people that could be involved in undercover work.
* resolve high-risk situations with a minimum loss of life, injury or property damage,
* resolve situations involving barricaded subjects, (see specifically HBT )
* stabilize situations involving high-risk suicidal subjects,
* provide assistance on drug raids, arrest warrants and search warrants,
* provide additional security at special events,