Ep 18. Patrol

The episode begins with the S.W.A.T. team on morning patrol, assigned to secure the area after a string of gun violence in the neighborhood. As they are patrolling the area, they come across a group of kids playing basketball and proceed to join in on the game, taking a moment to build rapport with the community they are meant to protect.

Their morning takes a turn as they are called to respond to a botched ATM robbery. When the team arrives at the scene, they find the thief has fled, leaving behind a detonated explosive device that’s damaged the surrounding buildings and put civilians in danger. Hondo, the head of the unit, directs his team to secure the area and call in for backup.

Meanwhile, Chris and Luca are on patrol when Chris recognizes a woman from her past who has fallen on hard times. The woman, who suffers from addiction, has no place to go, and the team offers her temporary shelter. Through this encounter, Chris is reminded of the reality that many people they come across on their patrols are just in need of help.

With the assistance of the bomb squad, the team successfully secures the area and detonates the second explosive device. However, their mission is far from over. They discover the fugitive, who is still armed and dangerous, has taken a hostage. Hondo must quickly decide how to move forward and ensure the safety of all involved.

As the team strategizes, they realize that their experience working with the community has given them an advantage. They proceed to use their intel to creatively outsmart the fugitive and bring him into custody, without any further casualties.

Wrapping up the day, the team heads back to their headquarters with the aftermath of their actions weighing heavily on their minds. This episode highlights the complexities of being a member of a high-stakes unit, with the goal of keeping their community safe. It showcases how the team members combine their skills, training, and humanity to make difficult decisions and, most importantly, how it’s the people they help which make the job worthwhile.