Oxford police highlight SWAT tryouts
OXFORD, Mississippi — The Oxford Police Department said in a Facebook post that candidates recently participated in Special Weapons and Tactics tryouts as they worked toward earning a place on the department’s SWAT team.
The department said the tryouts tested candidates’ fitness, teamwork and commitment. It added that its SWAT team is made up of officers who already serve in other roles throughout the department and choose to take on the additional responsibility of tactical operations.
SWAT units are specialized teams trained to handle high-risk situations such as barricaded suspects, hostage incidents and other operations that require tactical skills and equipment. Police departments rely on such teams to provide a higher level of preparedness for rare but potentially dangerous events.
The department’s post emphasized training and service, using social media to inform the community about its efforts to maintain readiness. The Oxford Police Department serves the city of Oxford, a college town and county seat, and says training helps ensure public safety for residents and visitors. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
