S.W.A.T.   

         The Wadena County Sheriff's Office established a S.W.A.T. Team (Special Weapons And Tactics) in 1990. At that time it was also known as the E.R.U. (Emergency Response Unit). The Team was comprised of Deputies from the Sheriff’s Office and Police Officers from surrounding jurisdictions within the County.

            In 2002 Wadena County Sheriff’s Office joined with Hubbard County Sheriff’s Office to form a two county multi- jurisdictional S.W.A.T. Team. This Team of S.W.A.T. Operators was (and is) made up of Deputies from the Wadena and Hubbard Sheriff’s Offices, and Police Officers from Menahga, Sebeka, Wadena, Staples, and Park Rapids Police Departments. The Team is made up of a Team Leader, two Assistant Team Leaders, Operators, and a Team Medic. 

            The Team has been trained and received certification in the use of Firearms, Less Lethal and Chemical Munitions deployment and Specialized S.W.A.T. Tactics. A certain number of Operators are certified as Sniper/Observers. The Team has implemented the use of a K-9, whose handler is also a Team Operator. The Team trains once a month and has to qualify twice a year with their tactical weapons. These qualification are at a higher standard then their required qualifications as a regular Law Enforcement Officer. Their training covers rural as well as urban settings, such as the geographical area they serve and protect. The Team is equipped with two “Peace Keepers” (armored vehicles) and two vans that are used to transport equipment and team operators. The vans can also be used as a command center in case of a lengthy operation, or for other emergencies which may develop within the counties as a mobile EOC
(Emergency Operation Center).