The Tempe Police Department S.W.A.T. Team responds to a variety of high-risk situations including barricaded / armed suspects who are holding hostages, sniper attacks, dignitary protection assignments, situations of civil unrest, and assist field supervisors in the deployment of special weapons and chemical agents.

Tempe S.W.A.T. Team members are selected among tenured officers who successfully complete a basic S.W.A.T. school where they demonstrate abilities in tactical scouting, rappelling, firearms, covert and dynamic entries, close quarter movement, chemical agents, and less lethal munitions.  Selected members attend training 20 hours per month thereafter.  Snipers attend an additional 15 hours per month.