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Police - Special Operations Division

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1. What is the K-9 Unit?

The Madison Police Department K-9 Unit began in 1986. Currently the Madison Police Department has two handlers. The K9 Unit’s primary responsibility is to search for suspects fleeing serious crimes and also search for lost children. The dogs are quite successful in their searches. If patrol officers are able to establish a perimeter and contain the suspects, the dogs will find them!

The K-9s live at home with their handlers and become a part of the family. Verbal commands and hand signals are used to communicate with the dogs. The handlers and dogs develop a very special bond that comes from driving around together in a patrol car for 40 hours a week. Our dogs love the attention they get at K-9 demonstrations.

2. What is the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team?

The Madison Police Department Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT) Team consist of a group of specially selected Police Officers and Firefighters who have been highly trained in the use of special weapons and tactics for the purpose of handling high risk situations involving barricaded suspects, hostage takers, high risk warrant service, or other situations requiring training and expertise beyond the capabilities of the regular police officer or Fire Fighter. SWAT members also provide security for the City’s special community events.

The Officers / Firefighters assigned to the SWAT Team are required to pass a physical for agility and strength. The SWAT Team trains each month to sharpen their skills and abilities. Components of the SWAT Team include an entry team and sniper teams.

The mission of the Madison Police Department’s SWAT Team is to bring successful conclusions to high risk situations through the use of specially equipped and highly trained personnel without injury or loss of life to all those involved.