Close-quarters battle, colloquially known as CQB, is the combat situation in which SWAT teams most often operate. CQB situations are notoriously dangerous, as there is usually minimal cover or concealment, and only a limited number of entry points that need to be covered by the opposing forces. As such, surprise is a SWAT entry team's best friend. SWAT teams have, with the help of several military bodies, revolutionized CQB theory and practice.

Within an element, each member of a fireteam has a designated role. This role usually changes depending on whether the element is acting as a unit (gold team) or whether the given red or blue team is acting on its own. Red 1 is the less lethal specialist if there is one. He will usually be equipped with a less lethal weapon such a as a beanbag shotgun, pepper spray, and a lethal sidearm. If no less lethal specialist is called for, he can often be seen carrying a tactical ballistic shield and a pistol. Red one is the first to enter the doorway (colloquially known as the Fatal Funnel, because all of the suspect's fire is apt to be concentrated towards this point) and is therefore the most heavily armored. Red 2 is the distraction device specialist, Blue 1 is the breaching specialist, and Blue 2 is the rear guard. He is often equipped with the most powerful weapon, as he singlehandedly covers the entry team's tracks. The officers generally enter an area in this given order with the element leader between the two teams.