SWAT

SWAT is an acronym for Special Weapons And Tactics. It is the most commonly known name to the public of a specialized paramilitary police unit who are trained to perform dangerous operations such as coordinated attacks on selected targets such as heavily armed criminals in secure locations. They are typically heavier armed than ordinary police officers with submachineguns and high power rifles for snipers.

The Los Angeles Police Department pioneered the use of SWAT teams to suppress urban violence and riots in the 1960s.

See also police paramilitary