S.W.A.T.

Green Bay S.W.A.T.The Green Bay Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team has its early beginnings in 1982, when it was originally called the Emergency Response Unit, or ERU. In 1995 the ERU was renamed to SWAT.

The purpose of the Green Bay Police Department SWAT is to respond to all high risk incidents that have become too complex for the initial responding officers. 

These incidences may have become too complex for a number of reasons, such as the violence of the possible suspect(s), the weaponry possessed by the subject(s), and the known criminal history of the suspect(s).

Training & Expertise

Initially, the SWAT team was developed as an answer to the widespread civil unrest that was taking place across the country. However, the training and expertise of the SWAT team is constantly evolving to meet the needs of modern day events. Currently, the SWAT team is very skilled in handling:

  • Barricaded subjects
  • Hostage crisis Situations
  • Waterborne threats
  • Vehicle and other mobile threats
  • Active shooters that may occur in a variety of venues

Regional SWAT Teams

As a result of the events that occurred in New York, Washington D.C, and Pennsylvania on September 11, 2001, the United States, through the individual state governments, decided to strengthen its defenses against future attacks. In doing so, the State of Wisconsin designated eight local SWAT teams as regional SWAT teams with the responsibility to respond to catastrophic events throughout the State of Wisconsin.

Aligned Law Enforcement Response Team

The State of Wisconsin had identified the Green Bay Police Department SWAT team as one of eight such regional teams. The regional SWAT team concept was later renamed the Aligned Law Enforcement Response Team, or ALERT.

Oversight & Staffing

The Green Bay SWAT team is commanded by Lieutenant Keith Gering. Assisting the SWAT Commander are Assistant Commanders, Lieutenant Matt Cain, and Lieutenant Matt VanEgeren.

All SWAT members are available for immediate call out 24/7. The Green Bay Police Department SWAT team is a very experienced and professional group of officers, some of which have close to three hundred calls for service to their credit.

Team Strength

The most recognizable members of the SWAT team are the tactical officers. However, equally important to the success of the SWAT team are the Negotiators, Radio Communication Operators, and Department Translators that are very skilled in resolving situations as peacefully as possible.

Photo Gallery

To see some of the team in action, check out the SWAT team photo gallery!

Joining

To be eligible to become a member of the SWAT team, an officer must have a minimum of three years of experience as a police officer, pass a rigorous physical agility test, and receive a favorable review of police department peers and command staff.

Peak Condition

Once selected to the team, each member must maintain top physical and mental condition in order to remain on the team. These physical and mental conditions are tested during bimonthly trainings that each officer participates in, above and beyond their regular assignment within the Green Bay Police Department.