Established in 1873, the Charleston Police Department provides law enforcement services to residents and safeguards civil rights. Its patrol division investigates calls received from its communication center and coordinates with other units. The department maintains several specialized units, including traffic, criminal investigation, records and training units. The Charleston Police Department has a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team that conducts drug raids and deals with barricaded suspects and hostage situations. In addition, it operates drug, professional standards and special enforcement units. The department provides public and school education services, as well as conducts a citizens police academy and various crime watch programs. The Charleston Police Department employs more than 200 sworn officers and civilians. It is located in Charleston, W.Va.