Special Operations

The Special Operations Division is composed of the Tactical Section, Special Enforcement Section, Traffic Enforcement Section, and the Special Events Section.

The primary purpose of the Tactical Section is to provide specialized support to all other units within the Police Department. This includes executing all high-risk search and seizure warrants conducted by the Department. Members of this unit also assist with barricade situations, perform ceremonial duties and participate in color guard and honor guard assignments. They also perform selective enforcement duties such as sobriety check points and radar assignments. The Emergency Services Team is responsible for handling all barricade/hostage situations. When requested, they provide dignitary protection for County, State and Federal officials.

The Special Enforcement Section is made up of the Canine Unit and Communication Specialists and coordinates the Department's Conflict Negotiators. The Canine unit conducted 2,202 searches with 72 criminal apprehensions in 2000. Two narcotic detection teams seized a total of $87,772 in narcotic-related proceeds. In addition, the unit conducted 123 canine demonstrations for the community.

The Traffic Enforcement Section includes the Motor Unit, Collision Analysis & Reconstruction Unit (CARU), and the State Highway Safety Grant Coordinators. The Motor Unit's responsibilities include traffic enforcement, school traffic and pedestrian safety surveys, commercial vehicle inspections, presidential detail escorts, and funeral and parade escorts. Officers assigned to CARU handle the investigation and reconstruction of fatal motor vehicle accidents and perform selective traffic enforcement.