The Special Weapons and Tactics Team,(SWAT), is the original special team of the KnoxCounty Sheriff's Office. The
team was formed in 1980 in preparation for the 1982 World's Fair, which was held in Knoxville. The team is comprised of highly trained and dedicated officers. Their mission is to resolve high-risk situations such as barricaded persons,hostage situations, and high risk search/arrest warrants with no injury to the officers or the suspects.

The Knox County Sheriff's Office SWAT Team is recognized as one of the best in the state of Tennessee, and
currently answers calls not only in Knox county, but in other counties throughout East Tennessee.