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 34 man SWAT team with 6 officers specialized as snipers. This expansion will allow self-sustainment for a longer period of time and an increased operational capacity. Not all members are shown below.

We also utilize a shift tactical officer program that has approximately 40 officers.  Among those 40 we have 4 members who are issued scoped rifles and train with the sniper team as first responders with scoped rifle capabilities.

MEET THE TEAM