Tactical Support

K-9 Unit

The Canine Unit employs specially trained dogs and handlers who perform a wide variety of functions. The Canine Unit will deploy bloodhounds for the purpose of tracking suspects and/or missing persons. Other specially trained dogs are used to detect drugs, find cadavers, conduct building searches, track violent suspects, and assist with crowd control. The Canine Unit is frequently called upon to provide support to other jurisdictions.

Underwater Recovery Team

The Underwater Recovery Team (URT) will respond to any type of water related emergency on a twenty-four hour basis. Assignment to the URT is considered a collateral duty. The URT is supported by the Marine Patrol, and the K-9 team (who uses the cadaver dog in search for drowning victims). The URT is also supported by the Charleston County Rescue Squad. The URT employs a variety of equipment and procedures to search for submerged evidence (i.e. cars, guns, knives, tools, bodies, etc.). Divers carefully measure and triangulate underwater areas in order to reconstruct scenes for subsequent legal proceedings. They are also careful to document each dive to ensure diver safety and enhance courtroom testimony.

SWAT

Special Weapons and Tactics - S.W.A.T.

Lieutenant M. Knox - Commander
Phone: (843)529-6231
mknox@charlestoncounty.org

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is one of seven teams in the State designated to respond to an incident involving a weapon of mass destruction (WMD) and/or other event deemed to be terroristic in nature. However, the vast majority of tactical responses occur within the jurisdictional boundaries of Charleston County. These calls for service include, but are not limited to hostage/barricaded gunman situations, high risk search and arrest warrant service, security operations, dignitary protection, and civil disturbances. The team is equipped and trained to operate on water, and in urban and rural environments in both daylight and darkness. The team employs a fully equipped tactical command post vehicle, an armored personnel carrier, and an equipment truck.

The Charleston County SWAT Team is comprised of thirty, sworn deputy sheriffs and ten tactical medics (TEMS) who serve the citizenry of Charleston County on a collateral duty basis. Team members receive more than 200 training hours annually with specialized firearms and equipment, less lethal options, annual physical fitness battery, building entry (to include explosive breaching), building clearing, active shooter training, counter sniper operations, and chemical dispersion.

The Charleston County Sheriff's Office was the first in the State to integrate Bomb Squad members with the SWAT Team; allowing for an enhanced tactical response to WMD incidents and explosive environments.