The Gilbert Police Department's first tactical team, known as the Emergency Response Unit or ERU was founded in 1993 in response to the town's rapid growth.  At its inception, the premise was simple: Assemble a team of highly motivated individuals, provide them with state-of-the-art equipment, and extensive training. 

The group of highly trained and well-equipped Officers has evolved over the years into a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team. SWAT is comprised of officers specially trained as entry personnel, precision rifle operators, breachers, and gas and less lethal munitions operators.  

Support elements for the SWAT Team include tactical negotiators and tactical equipment operators. SWAT responds whenever a crisis develops which is deemed by a patrol supervisor to be beyond the scope of immediately available resources, or for a pre-planned operation requiring the specialty tools and skills of the SWAT Team. Typical situations that require a SWAT response are barricaded suspects, hostage rescue missions, high risk warrant service, counter sniper situations and dignitary protection.

The SWAT team trains 20 hours a month, in addition to a 40-hour annual training. SWAT is a collateral duty assignment for all members. SWAT officers volunteer to take on the added responsibility of SWAT in addition to their daily assignments in patrol, traffic, investigations, and other assignments.

SWAT candidates endure a lengthy and challenging process to be selected for the team. Upon selection, new SWAT members are required to attend an 80 hour basic SWAT school.