Special Operations
The Special Operations Unit is a sub group of the Uniform Division. This unit is designed to handle situations that fall outside the normal limits of a routine day. Such events include hostage situations, barricaded suspects, traffic fatalities, lost or missing persons, dive recovery operations and many others.
Members of this Unit normally have the worst hours and situations that the agency has to offer. They must remain on call 24 hours a day for emergency activation. If the situation is bad it is this group that is activated to find a solution. In order for this unit to function to its fullest potential the officers assigned must be totally dedicated to their jobs and each other.
Functioning as a unit member requires the officers to have special training and ability beyond that of the average Deputy Sheriff. They must have advanced level training in the use of specialized firearms, crisis negotiations, and dive recovery operations to name but a few. The list for assignment to this unit is long as is the wait for assignment. The positions are few and those that occupy the unit have little desire to do anything else. Over time, they have become accustomed to being in the "heat" of the kitchen.
