Special Weapons and Tactics

SWAT vehicle
The Monroe County Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team is comprised of deputy sheriffs and detectives who have agreed to serve the citizens of Monroe County in this high liability position at no extra cost to taxpayers. They do not receive any compensation over and above their normal salaries to perform the duties of a SWAT team member.

SWAT team members have all completed at least one two week SWAT course, and they train together on a regular basis to maintain those skills and to ensure that they can all work smoothly together. They are periodically required to participate in a timed military obstacle course to remain on the team, and must frequently qualify with a variety of weapons. To view pictures of team members tackling a military obstacle course, located on Fleming Key, click here.

The team is primarily used to serve high-risk search warrants where home occupants are suspected of being armed and/or dangerous. They also respond, when required, to other situations such as barricaded subjects, wanted suspects who might be armed and dangerous, and any other time they are needed.

To date, no SWAT team members have been seriously injured or killed during the performance of their duties.

The Sheriff's SWAT team is a county wide unit answering to the Sheriff's Special Operations Division, headed up by Colonel Rick Ramsay. The SWAT Team leader is Detective Donald Catala. They frequently work with many other agencies, both local, state and federal.