)Special Operations Group
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.