Crisis Negotiations Team
Crisis Response Unit
Special Weapons and Tactics
The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are committed to resolving difficult situations using strategies and tactics that emphasize control, containment and resolution with the goal of protecting life and property. Both teams are committed to utilizing developed skills, tactics and specialized equipment and capabilities to resolve situations typically outside the realm of the ordinary patrol response. The members of the Crisis Response Unit are committed to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, service and training.
The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Crisis Negotiation Team is the specialized communications unit comprising the Crisis Response Team. The purpose of CNT is to facilitate a peaceful solution to critical incidents involving subjects who are suicidal, barricaded, hostage-taking or engaged in terrorist activities. Trained negotiators accomplish this task by persuasion, active listening, empathy and rapport. Providing intelligence to tactical commanders is an additional component should a tactical solution be required.
The team consists of a team leader, eight team members and is overseen by the SWAT sergeant. IDuring critical incidents, negotiators utilize various forms of communication and each team member is assigned specific duties. These duties include primary negotiator, secondary negotiator or coach, scribe, intelligence and logistics. All team members are trained to perform proficiently in each position.
The SWAT team consists of 13 Entry Team Members, four Sniper Team Members, one K9, five Tactical Medics and Tactical Dispatchers. The SWAT Team utilizes three vehicles: an equipment van, a Bearcat personnel rescue vehicle, and a pick up used for the Sniper Team. SWAT Team members train an average of 15 hours per month. Each member must pass strenuous firearms, tactical and physical fitness proficiency tests to remain on the team.
In 2017 the SWAT Team was called upon seven times. In May, Detectives were investigating a homicide as a result of a shooting. Detectives were able to obtain a lead as to where the suspect in the case was hiding and tracked the suspect to a home in Placerville. The suspect barricaded himself inside a home and SWAT was called. Utilizing SWAT, CNT and EOD resources, the suspect ultimately surrendered to law enforcement after administering tear gas. The suspect, who was hiding in the home, broke through a side vent of the attic and crawled onto the roof and surrendered.
Later in the year, patrol deputies responded to
the report of a stabbing that had occurred in
Diamond Springs. Deputies were able to identify
a possible location for two suspects. The
suspects barricaded inside of a home and SWAT
along with CNT was called to assist. One suspect
was taken into custody while another hid in the
attic. After using tear gas inside the home, the
remaining suspect exited the attic but still would
not comply or surrender. A less lethal projectile
was used to gain compliance of the suspect, who
was then taken into custody.
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