Crisis Response Unit
The Sheriff's Office is committed to resolving difficult situations using strategies and tactics that emphasize control, containment and resolution with the goal of protecting all life and property. This commitment is carried out by the Crisis Response Unit (CRU), comprised by the Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT), the Explosives Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT). All three teams utilize developed skills, tactics and specialized equipment and capabilities to resolve situations typically outside the realm of the ordinary patrol response. Members of SWAT, EOD and CNT. are committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, service and training.
Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT)
The Crisis Negotiation Team is a specialized team within the Crisis Response Unit. The Crisis Negotiations Team is utilized as an ancillary communications element of the SWAT Team. The team responds to critical incidents involving subjects who are suicidal, barricaded, hostage-taking or engaged in terrorist activities. The team includes seven skilled verbal communicators with a primary focus on de-escalation and peaceful solutions.
The Crisis Negotiations Team deploys state-of-the-art technology to connect with people who are experiencing crisis. Negotiators utilize active listening skills to build rapport and demonstrate empathy with these individuals. They make a conscious effort to emotionally connect and understand the person's needs, as a means to determine the proper and safest path of resolution.
Explosives Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD)
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EOD) is a highly trained team of Sheriff’s Deputies and Sergeants responsible for the safe rendering and disposal of military, commercial and improvised explosives, as well as explosive chemicals. EOD personnel regularly work with SWAT and CNT on almost all tactical events, as well as respond to potential explosive calls through El Dorado County, and the neighboring counties and jurisdictions. EOD technicians conduct post-blast investigations, often completing joint investigations with Federal teams and provide expert courtroom testimony assisting in the prosecution of persons charged with related crimes.
The EOD team serves our community by providing critical response and bomb related training for law enforcement, as well as safety and awareness programs for schools and businesses. EOD technicians support the SWAT team in its efforts to gain quick, effective entrance into fortified structures through the use of explosive breaching techniques, as well as providing robotic operations in tactical environments.
The EOD team consists of three Sheriff's Deputies and one Sheriff's Sergeant, each of whom completed extensive training and certification through the FBI's National Hazardous Devices School. This intensive educational course prepares and trains the EOD technician in a variety of techniques for a safe response to incidents requiring the use and/or disposal of explosives that will best fit the overall law enforcement mission. The EOD team and its equipment are considered regional assets and respond to assist all local agencies within and neighboring El Dorado County.
Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
The El Dorado County Sheriff's SWAT team was established in 1979, and since then, it has been an essential component of our agency's law enforcement operations. Today, the team is comprised of fifteen highly trained entry members, four skilled snipers, four tactical medics, and two canine teams. The primary purpose of the SWAT team is to execute high-risk search warrants, arrest warrants, and resolve barricaded subject situations. The SWAT team also provides tactical training to our patrol deputies to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to respond effectively to critical incidents.
In addition to its highly skilled personnel, the SWAT team has a fleet of specialized vehicles to support its operations. These vehicles include a Lenco Bearcat armored vehicle, a Rook, which is an armored critical incident vehicle, and an equipment vehicle responsible for transporting essential equipment to the scene.
The SWAT team's arsenal includes Glock handguns, Colt M4 rifles, Accuracy International AT .308 caliber sniper rifles, McMillan TAC 50 sniper rifles, and 40 mm launching platforms that are used for less lethal and chemical agent delivery. All these weapons have been carefully selected to ensure that our SWAT team is equipped with the best tools available to respond to any critical situation.
The SWAT team collaborates closely with other specialized units, including the Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT), Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), and Drone Team to resolve critical incidents effectively. Regular coordination and cooperation between these teams is essential to ensure a safe and successful resolution to any dangerous situation. The SWAT team understands the importance of effective teamwork and is committed to working closely with all specialized units to provide the highest level of service to the community.
To maintain their readiness, SWAT team members undergo rigorous and regular training, with each member training an average of 15 hours per month. To become an effective SWAT operator, every member must pass a physically demanding test that assesses their mental toughness and skill level.
The El Dorado County Sheriff's SWAT team is a vital asset to our agency, providing highly specialized and critical services to our community. We are proud of our SWAT team members and their commitment to public safety.