Rialto Police Department SWAT Team

The Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) is a component of SWAT and is a seven member team specifically trained in hostage negotiations, intelligence gathering, and conflict management. They are deployed on all SWAT call-outs with their primary function being to establish communications with barricaded suspects and/or to negotiate the safe release of innocent person(s) in a hostage situation. The crisis negotiation team works hand-in-hand with SWAT in providing intelligence to officers in order to secure the surrender of armed and/or barricaded suspects.

The SWAT Team also utilizes Tactical Dispatchers. These Dispatchers are deployed on all call-outs and have recieved specialized training on Tactical Communications and Operational Procedures.

The Special Weapons & Tactics team is called upon to respond to the following types of incidents: High risk search and arrest warrants Unusual occurrences Barricaded suspects Hostage Situations Mutual aid to allied agencies Escort for hazardous and/or Sensitive materials Sniper activity Riot and crowd control Rescue tactics Terrorist activities Dignitary protection

SWAT team members are required to be on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Team members are also required to pass vigorous physical requirements and attend schools and specialized monthly training. Being a SWAT or CNT member is a collateral assignment, hence the unit is comprised of members who are assigned to various full time duties in several divisions of the department. In 2005, the Rialto SWAT team received the Team Medal of Valor Award from the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) for their valorous actions during an armed hostage rescue operation. The team also received the Medal of Valor Award from the Veterans of Foreign Wars ( San Bernardino), the Attorney General’s Award for Valor from the State of California, and a Unit Citation from the Rialto Police Department.

The SWAT team also participates in demonstrations and community events, including the Rialto Police Department's Annual Open House, Rialto Citizen Academy, and Regional SWAT Competitions. To date, the SWAT team has resolved every incident successfully without injury.