Police officers assigned to a SWAT unit should be trained and equipped to fulfill their mission. For example, rappelling equipment is required by urban-based SWAT units due to multi-floor buildings. The nature of the SWAT unit mission is critical, and police administrators should consider how the SWAT unit will manage its response in each mission. An equipment list should be prepared for the SWAT unit, adequate training is essential, and proper attention should be paid to liability issues. Minimum equipment needs to handle a basic mission include a good communications system, basic body armor, low-level pistols to protect SWAT unit members, and mid-range weapons to hold the perimeter. Additional equipment that may be essential in certain missions include knives, binoculars, and medical equipment. Types of equipment all SWAT units should have are briefly described, and a tactical equipment checklist is provided. 7 photographs