The Joliet Police Department Special Operations Squad (SOS) is the department's high-risk tactical team, more commonly referred to as a 'SWAT' team. SOS was first formed in 1983 with basic Patrol Officers, but has evolved into its current, special highly-trained unit, consisting of many positions throughout the department.

SOS is divided into three different sub-teams, which rotate through monthly on-call 24/7 periods. During their on-call month(s), SOS sub-teams and their members are available to respond to any situation at a moment's notice to best serve the Joliet-area community. SOS also utilizes specialty vehicles and equipment that requires monthly specialized training. 

SOS can respond to any high-risk call in the Joliet area. Some of the types of calls SOS responds include, but are not limited to:

• Barricaded Subject
• Armed Standoff
• High-Risk Arrest / Search Warrant
• Hostage Situation

Besides Joliet Police Department members being assigned to SOS, there are Officers from other Will County agencies assigned to the team as well. These members can provide additional resources to SOS. Currently there are members assigned to SOS from:

• Joliet Fire Department (Special Operations Paramedics)
• Joliet Junior College Police Department
• Lockport Police Department
• Plainfield Police Department
• Crest Hill Police Department
• Elwood Police Department