SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) is an elite tactical unit in USA specializing in paramilitary operations in major cities.
Background
The first SWAT team was established by inspector Daryl Gates in the Los Angeles Police Department in 1968. They are trained to perform high-risk operations that fall outside of the abilities of regular officers. SWAT teams are often equipped with military firearms and a heavy body armor. Their duties include:
- Performing hostage rescues and counter-terrorism operations
- Serving high risk arrest and search warrants
- Subduing barricaded suspects and engaging heavily-armed criminals
Since the late 20th, until the early 21st century, the number of emergency response units among different law enforcement agencies in the United States has been booming. Criticism directs toward the militarization of civilian law enforcement, and the excessive use of these units for tasks other than emergency and high-risk warrants.
Events in the Deus Ex Series
In 2027, SWAT are almost in constant operation against riots, and terrorist groups like Purity First and New Sons of Freedom.
SWAT first appear in the siege at the Sarif Manufacturing Plant in Detroit, angry at being ordered to stay back at the request of David Sarif. SWAT's opinion of Adam Jensen changes based on how Jensen handled the situation at the plant, for example getting angry at Jensen if he slaughtered the Purity First members and let Ezekiel Sanders ecape, or a more positive opinion if Jensen managed to rescue the hostages and arrest Zeke Sanders while not killing the Purity First members attacking the plant. Some SWAT officers appear on standby inside the Detroit Police Station. Later on, SWAT are shown battling protesters during the return to Detroit.
In 2052, police are generally heavy armed and many dressed in riot gear, mostly conducting operations against rioters claiming the free and mass distribution of the Ambrosia, the vaccine for the Gray Death ravaging the USA at this time. The police aids UNATCO in their battle against terrorist groups, such as the NSF.
In 2072, law enforcement is handled by SSC security guards and WTO military, riot gear being standard issue.
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