S.W.A.T. is set in the same
fictional universe as
The Rookies, to crucial tools like
grappling hooks,
tear gas, and
bulletproof vests, SWAT is trained and equipped to resolve situations regular police units cannot, such as
standoffs,
crisis negotiation,
hostage-takings,
robberies,
active shooters,
assassinations,
bomb threats,
organized crime, and
terrorism. Heading Olympic Metro SWAT is Lieutenant Daniel "Hondo" Harrelson, the
squad leader and the series'
protagonist, assisted by Sergeant David "Deacon" Kay, the team's
chaplain and sole African-American officer. Under Harrelson and Kay's command are Jim Street, a former patrol officer who joins SWAT after his partner is killed by an
anti-police gang; Dominic Luca, a single-but-seeking Italian-American who joins SWAT from the
Narcotics Division and often serves as
comic relief; and Travis Joseph "T.J." McCabe, the team's
sniper who is selected for SWAT for his natural marksmanship skills. Their
SWAT vehicle and
mobile command center, an early-1970s
International Harvester Metro Van fitted with an
armory and
police radio, is driven by "Sam", an unseen, mostly silent character played by an uncredited actor. The personal lives of the SWAT officers, particularly Harrelson, were focal points of numerous episodes; Harrelson's wife Betty and their two young sons often appeared as major characters and plot points. Police officials and friends of the team were also recurring characters, such as Chief Edward Roman, the WCPD's
chief of police, and Hilda, a
sandwich vendor known for selling cheap sandwiches made of
leftovers to Olympic Precinct. File:Steve Forrest Hondo Harrelson SWAT 1975.JPG|thumb|upright=.5|right| == Cast ==