SWAT Testing Pushes Officers and Firefighters to the Edge

Updated February 01, 2016

The Special Weapons And Tactics or SWAT team handles the most dangerous and critical calls for service in the region. Roseville Police and Fire participates in a joint SWAT team with Rocklin Police and Fire. The team is truly ready to go at a moment's notice, they're prepared to respond 24-7 365 days per year.

When vacancies arise on the team, current members put potential candidates through stress-filled real-life situations to simulate the reality of a SWAT call-out. The 6 hour process begins with a physical agility course, followed by either entry testing for police officers or medic testing for firefighters, and closing with an oral board interview. The testing process challenges candidates to respond under the highest level of extreme pressure and stress.

The SWAT team has responded to active shooter situations, high-risk arrest and search incidents, barricaded subjects, and hostage situations. Because of the intensity of these types of calls for service, it's important to have the best of the best on the team. The SWAT team has 28 total members with 19 from Roseville. In 2015 the team was called out 11 times. Eight people were testing for 3 open positions.