The actors all received S.W.A.T. tactics, weapons, and live fire training for the film. Colin Farrell was also given L.A.P.D. driver training in the Ford Crown Victoria.
The S.W.A.T. officers who deliver the secure phone at the beginning of the film in the bank robbery scene were real-life L.A.P.D. S.W.A.T. officers, who were on scene as technical advisors for the film, and got to put on their uniforms and do it "for fun".
As a "wrap gift" to mark the end of filming, Samuel L. Jackson offered the principal cast a signature 9-millimeter pistol with the letters S.W.A.T. inscribed on the handle.
The bank used at the beginning of the film was an abandoned building scheduled to be torn down, so the film crew was allowed to shoot at it, tear it apart, and do whatever they wanted. They also had to get over five hundred signatures from residents and businesses for permission to fly the helicopters at low altitudes during the S.W.A.T. team insertion.
Colin Farrell wanted to perform a stunt as his character, in the scene where the S.W.A.T. team rappels down from a helicopter. His request was refused, as a concern for his safety. Farrell's stunt double proceeded to break his ankle on the first take of the stunt.