The Gastonia Police Swat Team is expanding by integrating members from the Gaston County Sheriff’s Office, Belmont Police, Stanley Police, Cherryville Police and the Mount Holly Police Department, creating a multi-agency regional response special situation team.

Originally, in 1988 the Gastonia Police Department SWAT Team included a 6-man entry team along with a 5-man sniper team, all from the Gastonia Police Department. Over the years the team grew to 19 members from within the department. The new multi-agency team will allocate a 24-officer entry team and a 12-officer sniper team. This expansion will allow self-sustainment for a longer period of time and an increased operational capacity. Not all members are shown below.

MEET THE TEAM