SWAT/TOU/K9/EOD
The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office SWAT Division is comprised of three units:
Tactical Operations Unit (TOU)
A Tactical Operations Unit (TOU) is a specialized law enforcement team trained to handle high-risk incidents, including hostage situations, counter-terrorism, and serving high-risk warrants. These units utilize specialized weapons and equipment, such as armored vehicles and tactical gear, to minimize risk to the public and officers.
Canine Unit (K9)
A Canine Unit (K-9) consists of law enforcement officers paired with specially trained dogs for tasks like suspect apprehension, drug/explosives detection, and tracking. These units enhance public safety, often serving as a less-lethal force option, with teams operating at federal, state, and local levels. Dogs, often German Shepherds or Belgian Malinois, live with their handlers, forming a close bond for 24-hour duty.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit (EOD)
SWAT Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) units are specialized law enforcement teams trained to detect, disarm, and dispose of improvised explosive devices (IEDs), commercial explosives, and military ordnance. Operating alongside tactical teams, they utilize robotic systems, X-ray technology, and heavy bomb suits to render safe hazardous items during high-risk incidents, hostage scenarios, and special events.
The SWAT Division is currently on call 24 hours a day 7 days a week 365 days a year. Every member of the division is subject to be called out at any time to respond anywhere within Maricopa County. The SWAT Division responds to high risk arrest, barricades, search warrant service, and various details within Maricopa County. Within the SWAT Division, there are also various specialties that the members of the division are responsible for, such as: less-lethal, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), sniper/observer, explosive breaching, rappel program, and night vision.
