SWAT

The SWAT team (Special Weapons And Tactics) was formed in 2002 as a part-time tactical team. The team is made up of 14 officers from various sections within the department. All team members complete an initial 40-hour basic SWAT school presented by a reputable training organization and recognized by NTOA (National Tactical Officers Association).

After successful completion of SWAT School, the team trains for varying missions on a monthly basis. Each team member has received special training in using tools, equipment and tactics beyond that of a patrol officer assigned to a beat. The SWAT team reports directly to the Chief or Deputy Chief of Police, but can be requested by any supervisor of the Wheeling Police Department or another law enforcement agency. In 2016, the SWAT team saw the addition of three 3 SWAT Medics – all members of the Wheeling Fire Department.

  Some duties assigned to the SWAT team are:

• Service of search/arrest warrants on individuals believed to be armed 
• Resolution of armed and/or barricaded subjects
• Operating in hazardous environments such as meth labs
• Vertical high rope operations/ rappel entries
• Active shooter resolution
• Hostage recovery operations
• Special detail security operations
• Surveillance and reconnaissance operations
• Mutual aid to another agencies’ tactical team

The Crisis Negotiations Team (C.N.T.) is comprised of six members of the Wheeling Police Department. The members of the C.N.T. are from both uniform and non-uniform divisions. In July 2013, five members of the C.N.T. obtained their certification as Crisis Negotiators after attending an F.B.I. Basic Crisis Negotiations course in Morgantown, W.Va. All team members have also attended and successfully completed the Public Agency Training Counsel Hostage Negotiation Phase I and II.

The C.N.T. is activated in instances where hostages have been taken, a subject is barricaded or for suicidal subjects. The C.N.T. also works hand in hand with the SWAT Team and is utilized on all SWAT activations should the need for the C.N.T. arise.