The Emergency and Tactical Response Operations component of the Highlands County Sheriff's Office consists of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team and the Crisis Negotiations Team. 

These two teams coordinate with each other when a tactical response to a critical incident is required. The teams are comprised of deputies who are assigned full-time to various divisions within the Law Enforcement Bureau. 

These deputies are trained in special weapons and tactics, negotiations, and crisis resolution. The mission of these two teams is to bring a safe and successful conclusion to a potentially life-threatening situation.