The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office formed a multi-jurisdiction Emergency Response Team (SWAT) in 1992. The presence of a highly trained, highly skilled police tactical unit has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to citizens, police officers and suspects. It is the intent of the Goodhue County Sheriff's Office, Red Wing Police Department, Wabasha County Sheriff's Office, Prairie Island Tribal Police, and the Red Wing Fire Department to work together to provide a highly trained and skilled tactical team as a resource for law enforcement agencies within Goodhue and Wabasha Counties who need assistance with critical incidents.
The team will typically respond to calls that are high-risk in nature and above the normal duties expected of patrol officers or investigators. This may include high-risk narcotic or arrest warrants, hostage situations, barricaded persons, home land security details and VIP protection.
Team members are full time licensed officers who volunteer for the team assignment. The team members are chosen based on law enforcement experience, physical fitness, and firearms testing at higher standards then regular officers. The team members receive extensive training in tactical maneuvers and techniques, weapons, and special equipment.
