The mission of the Wytheville Department of Public Safety's Tactical Team is to provide a well-disciplined, well-trained, efficient unit that can be utilized in situations where the public and individual officers are in extreme danger and at a distinct disadvantage.

Situations that would result in the use of the Tactical Team include, but are not limited to, hostage situations, barricaded subjects, high-risk warrant service, or high-risk drug enforcement where the use of weapons by suspects could be prevalent.

Other situations include the service of warrants, raids and search warrants, searches for armed suspects who have gone into hiding to avoid apprehension, VIP protection, undercover surveillance, and hostage negotiations.

The Tactical Team is made up of 10 members of the Department from Patrol, Investigations, and Administration and is a voluntary assignment. All members are proficient in the use of firearms, including standard semiautomatic pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, and automatic rifles. They are also proficient in the use of non-lethal types of weapons such as chemicals, rubber bullets, and electrical devices. Three members of the Tactical Team, in addition to two other officers, are trained in advanced hostage negotiations.

To become a member of the Department's Tactical Team, an applicant must pass a battery of educational, physical, and psychological exams, as well as a physical agility course. During their tenure with the Tactical Team, members undergo constant training to prepare for any eventuality. The Team practices building entries, vehicle stops, and continue their proficiency with their weapons.

The Tactical Team has trained with the Wythe County Sheriff's Department and Virginia State Police Tactical Teams. They have participated in specialized training in Wise County, Pulaski County, Richmond, and Fort Pickett Virginia. The team has also received training from Henrico County SWAT, Los Angeles PD SWAT, and the FBI Emergency Response Team.

The Tactical Team members are part of the Virginia Tactical Association. Three members of this team are part of the instructor cadre, which assist other departments with their tactical training throughout the state of Virginia. The committment to this ongoing training is to provide the best possible service to the Town of Wytheville.