The Will County Sheriff's Office created the Special Operations Group (S.O.G.) in November 1984. This special response group, (commonly referred to as a SWAT team) is utilized in high-risk situations including , but not limited to:

• Sniper Situations
• Hostage/Barricaded Subjects
• Acts of Terrorism
• Searches and Service of Warrants on potentially dangerous subjects
• VIP protection and security
• Investigation support missions for intelligence

The S.O.G. has two components. The first component consists of 25 tactical personnel including a paramedic. They use specialized training with tactics and equipment to achieve, if at all possible, a non-violent solution to a high-risk incident. The second component of the group is composed of 10 members, who use specialized training to resolve a hostage/barricaded incident through negotiations.

Since 1984, the S.O.G. has been called upon to handle over 50 high-risk incidents where traditional police methods might have been utilized by other police jurisdictions within and outside the County of Will.