The Tactical Enforcement Unit (TEU) was formed on August 7, 1967 in response to rioting that took place in our city days earlier. It is
believed to be the oldest full time SWAT team in America. Chief Harold Breier wanted to put together a team of men who could respond
to extraordinary events that would occur within the City of Milwaukee. This included but was not limited to sniper incidents, hostage
situations, barricaded subjects, and large disturbances.
The current unit is a modern SWAT team. Ship interdiction and Haz-Mat response are just a couple of the new responsibilities the team
has taken on. In 2007 we had the honor of hosting the NTOA National Conference and were filmed for four episodes of SWAT USA on
Court TV. That year the team also served 550 search warrants along with numerous other tactical operations.
believed to be the oldest full time SWAT team in America. Chief Harold Breier wanted to put together a team of men who could respond
to extraordinary events that would occur within the City of Milwaukee. This included but was not limited to sniper incidents, hostage
situations, barricaded subjects, and large disturbances.
The current unit is a modern SWAT team. Ship interdiction and Haz-Mat response are just a couple of the new responsibilities the team
has taken on. In 2007 we had the honor of hosting the NTOA National Conference and were filmed for four episodes of SWAT USA on
Court TV. That year the team also served 550 search warrants along with numerous other tactical operations.
The original order creating the "Tac Squad"
Chief Breier looks on at an early training session.
Plans scratched out in chalk on the back on a paddy wagon.
1970's Preparing for an assault.
Battles against Milwaukee's 1960's
counter-culture resulted in this wanted poster.
counter-culture resulted in this wanted poster.
The fine art of repelling.
Stealth entry 1970's style.
Chief Breier directs his troops after another successful operation.
Equipment of the Mid-1970's.
1970's containment at a deployment.
2008 Preparing to deploy at a hostage
situation.
situation.
2006 BearCat deployment of officers is common.
2008 This ain't Santa knocking on your door. December warrant service.
2008 Ready to make entry.
2008 Weeks later and more hostage drama.
1970's entries were made with pistol grip shotguns and a lot of technique.
1980's Containment at a deployment.
1980's Entry team. Ballistic shields and body armor are now standard
equipment.
equipment.
Mid 1980's team picture in the assembly.
2009 Checking for a homicide suspect..
2009 On the street at a double homicide.
2009 Covering the team on an entry.
2009 Just after another cold entry. L to R Sgt. Brad Buddenhagen, P.O.
Dan Joers, P.O. Torrey Lea, and P.O. John Witkowski. Ugly but they get
the job done!
Dan Joers, P.O. Torrey Lea, and P.O. John Witkowski. Ugly but they get
the job done!
News coverage of a 1986 shooting involving members of the
Tactical Enforcement Unit.
Tactical Enforcement Unit.
August 1985 news story on the first deployment of a flashbang
by our unit.
by our unit.
1999 Members of the Tactical Unit are attacked with flammable
materials during an operation
materials during an operation
2010 A cold January morning and another search warrant served.
2010 P.O. Michael Dix removes a small
child during search warrant service.
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
child during search warrant service.
(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
2010 Yet another satisfied customer is removed from a north side drug
house. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
house. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
2010 High risk warrant service. (2010 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
2010 In back of the "Jump Out" van on the way to another search
warrant. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
warrant. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Photo)
2011 P.O. Dennis Justus clears a residence.
2011 P.O. Mike Dix admires the work of our explosive breachers.
