SHANNON COUNTY MULTI-JURISDICTIONAL TACTICAL TEAM

A tactical team simply can never be viable without the support of the citizens. Take a moment to understand why we have made the good faith choice to bring SWAT to Shannon County. It is for everyone's benefit. 

Shannon County Missouri Sheriff Office is very proud of our SWAT team. The SCSO SWAT team has a combined membership of many Deputies with decades of tactical training and experience. From combat deployments in the military to stand offs with angry folks like you and I who just want a problem solved. But they don't feel heard. 

Shannon County Sheriff's Office has partnered with Reynolds and Carter County Sheriff Offices to fill in gaps in both man power as well as budget. But most importantly this means we have a mutual aid agreement that gives us legal authority to act as one large unit in times of distress. We will all train and operate as one big happy family, who is happy to help each other in times of need. 

A fair question that should be asked is, "Do we really need a SWAT team?". The answer is yes. Let me explain. It is commonly held belief that SWAT militarizes the police. Honestly, there is nothing a SWAT team will possess that any citizen is not allowed to own with the proper approved paper work. Even things that appear military in nature. The tactics appear military as well. Every Peace Officer in this country is trained in these tactics. There is only two differences. First, SWAT teams have more time to practice and be proficient. Because practice makes perfect. Second, we can do these same things we do as a solo deputy at 2:00AM for a business burglary alarm, but now we can do it as a group. Which is safer for everyone. 

You may ask why it is safer? It is safer for the Deputy because, better quality armor protects against bigger threats to the Deputy. We have additional tools that keep us from relying on firearms, which is a limiting factor. We have additional teammates to help us process and react to new information. It is safer to the Deputy to not have to engage a subject one on one. 
The SWAT team is also beneficial for the safety of community. Better training means reduced accidents caused by over task loading. SCSO has the ability to escort innocent people to safety in a hostile environment. Or protect your family and household, by parking a armored vehicle in front of it, so you are not in danger. A team dynamic reduces the risk of dangerous suspects escaping, to run wild in the community. More brains are better than one, and SWAT is not all about shooting. It is about saving lives through more options, than would be available to one person, who would be alone. Every time a Deputy is safer, that means he is more likely to be successful. When a Deputy is successful, no one is hurt and the streets are safer. Innocent citizens are not turned into victims of crime. 
Also, Suspects are safer as well. That is important. After all, while they may or may not be criminals, they are people. They are husbands and wives. Sons and daughters. Friends and co-workers. We wish to use force as little as possible to enforce laws. Especially, lethal force. Because of this fact, every call out will begin with an attempt of communication and de-escalation if possible. This goes back to additional options and ideas. 

While it may look like a bunch of exciting action in movies, statistics show, tactical intervention is very dangerous. The risk of injury  or death is higher than in any other task law enforcement may do, other than traffic stops. Because of this, we will ensure every Deputy employed with Shannon County Sheriff's Office receives a 40 hour basic SWAT training package, as well as weekly refreshers and monthly sustainment training. The fact is without training, we would be deficient in our ability to protect the citizens of Shannon County. 

The Shannon County SWAT team will do everything possible to ensure positive outcomes for the community. Save lives and end every incident with the very best outcome possible. We are here to protect you. Because we love and care about you, our community.