The Walla Walla Police Department participates in a regional Emergency Services Unit (ESU), or what is more commonly referred to as a SWAT team, meaning Specialized Weapons and Tactics.

Team members are selected from the Walla Walla Police Department and Walla Walla Sheriff's Office. We serve the local and outlying area's from Pomeroy to Burbank. The SWAT team is trained in specialized tactics in high-risk operations that fall outside of the capabilities of regular, uniformed police. Their duties include:

• Confronting heavily-armed criminals
• Performing hostage rescue
• High risk arrests
• Entering armored or barricaded buildings

Such units are often equipped with specialized firearms and equipment including heavy body armor, ballistic shields, entry tools, armored vehicles, advanced night vision optics.

SWAT duties may include:

• Hostage rescue
• Riot control
• VIP protection details
• Resolving high risk situations
• Providing assistance on arrest warrants and search warrants
• Providing additional security at special events