Madera County’s Regional SWAT (Special Weapons And Tactics) Team is a multi-agency task force comprised of sworn personnel drawn from local law enforcement agencies in Madera County, which include: Madera County Sheriff’s Department, Madera Police Department and Chowchilla Police Department.

The Madera County Regional SWAT Team has 20 full time members: 10 Deputies from the Madera County Sheriff’s Department, 8 Officers from the Madera Police Department and 2 Officers from the Chowchilla Police Department.

In 2004, Madera and Merced counties established mutual aid in an effort to assist both counties to combat crime. The first ever collaborative effort was made possible under the leadership of Sheriff John Anderson. By linking the two agencies in mutual aid missions, Merced provides Madera full air support when needed. Conversely, Merced not only benefits from Madera’s personnel but the team’s SWAT medics as well.

Madera County’s Regional SWAT Team responds to a variety of calls ranging from hostage rescue, barricaded suspects, and to the eradication of marijuana gardens. The Madera Regional SWAT Team trains and cross trains monthly to make sure its members maintain proficiency in Special Weapons And Tactics, which include: Entry, Breaching, Distraction device operations, Precision rifle, and Deployment of chemical munitions.

The Regional SWAT team operates under the guidance of the Madera County Sheriff’s Department.