SWAT & CNT
The Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT)
and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) are
committed to resolving difficult police
situations using strategies and tactics that
emphasize control, containment and resolution
with the goal of protecting life and property.
Both SWAT and CNT 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
SWAT Team are committed to maintaining the
highest levels of professionalism, service and
training while keeping a modern approach to
traditional law enforcement values.
The team consists of 14 entry team members,
four snipers, one canine, four tactical medics
and tactical dispatchers. The SWAT Team
utilizes four vehicles: an equipment van, a
Bearcat personnel rescue vehicle, a warrant
response truck and a pickup used for the
snipers. 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. SWAT
has the ability to use modern technology to help
safely and successfully complete a mission.
They utilize cameras, robots, chemical
munitions and air support to try and gain
voluntary compliance with subjects who pose a
significant threat to victims, public safety or
deputies on scene.
CNT consists of nine team members, which
includes one team leader and eight deputies.
Members of CNT train throughout the year on
active listening techniques and utilize their
communication skills to try and resolve
potentially critical situations peacefully. Team
members are trained to communicate face-to-
face, via Public Addressment System, cellular
phone and throw-phone. Additionally, team
members are assigned specific duties. These
duties include primary negotiator, secondary
negotiator or coach, scribe, intelligence and
logistics. All team members all trained to
perform proficiently in any position. CNT
utilizes a response vehicle and trailer that stores
the team’s mission specific equipment. CNT
uses a wide array of modern technology to help encourage dialogue between the negotiator
and subject. The technology used helps ensure
the safety of the deputies on scene as well as
the subject to try and resolve situations as
peacefully as possible. CNT participates in
annual regional trainings with Placer County
and the FBI.
In the summer of 2018, SWAT was called for a
man who barricaded himself inside his home
after firing a gun at another subject. Over the
course of the event, numerous attempts were
made to have the subject communicate with law
enforcement and surrender himself. Eventually
chemical agents were utilized and the subject
surrendered peacefully and was taken into
custody.
2018 also marked the end of a great SWAT
career with El Dorado County. Detective Jeff
Lewallen has been associated with the
El Dorado County SWAT Team since 2003 and
has been the lead SWAT Range Master and
Armorer since 2006. He has provided
thousands of hours of high-level training to
members of the SWAT Team throughout his
tenure. Detective Lewallen’s courses of training
have remained relevant to changing times in
law enforcement case law, tactics and
equipment. The members of the team are safer
and better suited to do their jobs because of his
dedicated effort over the years.
In addition to training and enforcement activity,
SWAT and CNT also participate in numerous
public events throughout the year in a
continued partnership with the members of our
community. We participate in parades, school
functions, safety fairs, National Night Out, Red
Ribbon Week and other public events each year.
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Operations