The La Habra Police Department SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Team is part of the regional North County SWAT team, consisting of officers and support personnel from the La Habra, Fullerton, Placentia, Brea, La Palma and Cal State Fullerton Police Departments.
The North County SWAT team is a designated unit of law enforcement officers that is specifically trained and equipped to work as a coordinated team to resolve critical incidents that are so hazardous, complex, or unusual that they may exceed the capabilities of regularly equipped and trained police personnel or investigative units. These incidents include, but are not limited to, hostage situations, barricaded suspects, snipers, terrorist acts, riot/crowd control, dignitary protection and other high risk incidents. North County SWAT team members may also be used to serve high risk warrants, both search and arrest, where public and officer safety issues may require the use of the team.
Before being selected for assignment to the North County SWAT team, officers must pass an extensive testing process, including a rigorous physical agility test, weapons proficiency testing and an oral interview panel. While assigned to the SWAT team, officers must pass regular physical fitness and weapons qualification testing.
The primary mission of the North County SWAT team is to save lives, both those of the public and law enforcement personnel.
