Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT)

The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team (Special Weapons and Tactics) is a specialized team made up of law enforcement officers and paramedics that have been trained and equipped to handle high-risk operations. Some operations of the SWAT Team may include:

• Executing arrest and search warrants for dangerous suspects, such as violent criminals or gang members.
• Operating in situations where suspects are armed or have a history of violence.
• Responding to situations where a suspect has barricaded themselves in a building or vehicle.
• Conducting covert surveillance to gather intelligence before executing operations.

SWAT Team Operators are equipped with specialized body armor, ballistic shields, rifles, less-than-lethal weapons, and night vision goggles. Members undergo rigorous training in tactics, firearms, breaching, and teamwork. Our SWAT Team provides a tactical advantage to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office in situations that require precision, discipline, and strategy to resolve critical incidents safely.

Bradford County Sheriff’s Office – Alternative Funding for SWAT

The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office proudly funds the purchase and maintenance of SWAT Team equipment with minimal impact to Bradford County taxpayers. This includes the acquisition of a new SWAT vehicle without using a single dollar of local taxpayer funding. This critical piece of equipment, essential for responding to high-risk situations and protecting our community, was fully funded through alternative revenue sources secured by the agency.

A significant portion of the funding comes from vendor contracts established by the Sheriff’s Office. These contracts are utilized by government agencies across the country, and for each use, the vendors provide a revenue share back to Bradford County. This innovative approach allows the Sheriff’s Office to generate ongoing income from partnerships that benefit other agencies nationwide.

Additionally, funds are used from a federal inmate housing agreement. Under this program, the Bradford County Jail houses federal inmates, and in return, the Federal Government reimburses the county for these services. This arrangement not only helps offset operational costs but also creates a sustainable funding stream for necessary law enforcement resources.

By leveraging these alternative funding sources, the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office continues to enhance public safety while remaining fiscally responsible. This SWAT vehicle stands as a proud example of how smart partnerships and federal cooperation can strengthen local law enforcement—without placing a burden on local taxpayers.