S.W.A.T (Special Weapons An Tactics) is an elite counter-terrorist tactical unit, similar to U.S. Navy Seals and Germany's GSG-9 tactical Special Operations unit, in many American police departments, which is trained to perform exceptionally dangerous, high-risk, counter-terrorism operations that fall outside of the abilities of patrol officers. These can include serving high-risk arrest warrants, performing hostage rescue and/or armed intervention, preventing terrorist attacks and counter-terrorism, and engaging heavily-armed criminals. Like other Special Forces units, SWAT teams are usually equipped with the latest state of the art specialized firearms including assault rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, carbines, riot control agents, stun grenades, and high-powered rifles for marksmen (snipers). They often have specialized equipment including heavy body armor, entry tools, armored vehicles, and night vision optics.