Special Operations
Overview
The Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ Police Department’s Special Operations Unit is a versatile team led by a Bureau Captain, supported by three Sergeants, two Corporals, and a dedicated group of sworn officers and civilian staff. The unit is responsible for ensuring the safety, security, and coordination of all major campus events while also supporting criminal investigations, crime prevention initiatives, and the department’s K9 operations specializing in explosives and narcotics detection.
Special Operations encompasses several specialized units, including the Police K9 Detection unit, Crime Prevention, Criminal Investigative Section (CIS), Marine Unit, Bike Response Team (BRT), and Special Events Planning. Each unit plays a vital role in enhancing the department’s operational capabilities, ranging from criminal investigations and rapid bike deployments to marine-based responses and tactical support during city-wide events.
On campus, the unit plays a vital role in securing high-profile events such as commencements, athletic games, dignitary visits, and activities held at the renowned Yuengling Center, a premier entertainment venue that hosts hundreds of thousands of guests annually for concerts, sporting events, comedians, and national entertainment tours.
Off campus, the Special Operations Unit collaborates closely with local and regional law enforcement partners to support large-scale events, including professional sports championships like the Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, and Tampa’s highly anticipated annual Gasparilla Parade. Additionally, the unit regularly assists in hurricane relief efforts and emergency response operations throughout the state.