Special Operations
The Memphis Police Department provides specialized police services to the Memphis Police Department and to the City of Memphis through Special Operations.

Deputy Chief: Dave Martello

Major: Vernell Stepter

Special Operations

Special Operations Units include:

• Air Support

• Canine Squad

• TACT

• Traffic

• Mounted Patrol

• Harbor Patrol

• Reserve Bureau

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Air Support

The Air Support Division is often utilized by other MPD squads and outside agencies in various types of operations. Helicopters flown by Air Support include three Bell Jet Ranger helicopters and a Eurocopter A-Star helicopter. Staffed 24 hours a day, this high flying unit handled 924 calls for service in 2008 and was instrumental in 149 arrests, 50 assist other agency calls, and the eradication of several large marijuana plants.

Harbor Patrol

This unit is responsible for the safety and enforcement of marine activities along the Mississippi River. The Harbor Patrol currently has a 25 ft. Boston Whaler, 24 ft. Sea Ark and a 16 ft. aluminum weld. During 2008, the officers assigned to the Harbor Patrol handled 28 calls, 59 details, 346 boat checks, 85 requests for service from other agencies, issued 132 warnings, handled 49 boat assists, conducted 25 searches, rescued 23 people and recovered 1 body.

Tact Unit

This elite unit, specially trained to respond to various emergency situations, is responsible for handling barricade situations, hostage rescues, counter terrorism, and high risk felony apprehensions. While not subject to regular calls for service like other units, the Tact Unit responded to 225 radio calls, initiated 9,327 specials, made 127 arrests, issued 907 tickets, and handled 6 barricade/hostage situations in 2008. The TACT Unit also participated in 8 VIP Security Details, 13 Community Outreach programs, and 34 gun seizures.

Mounted Patrol

Mounted Patrol performs a dual function within the department - providing assistance with crowd control or traffic control and providing positive community relations. As a unit these Mounted Patrol officers and their mounts handled 34 community details and 115 patrol assignments while making 15 arrests in 2008.

Canine Unit

This unit utilizes highly trained dogs who, along with their handlers, make-up a unique team responsible for building searches and suspect searches, as well as narcotic and explosive detection. In 2008, the Canine Unit answered 5,153 calls, initiated 8,492 specials, while making 474 arrests.

Officers in the Schools

The Officers in the Schools (OIS) Program assigns officers to 26 High Schools and 19 Middle and/or Jr. High Schools. The 39 officers assigned to the Memphis City Schools serve as mentors and leaders, as well as volunteer their time for civic groups, scouting troops, and various youth sports leagues. Since the Memphis City School has commenced their Blue Ribbon Initiative Plan, the Memphis Police Department OIS continued their efforts in 2008 reporting a total of 2,210 arrests, issued 167 non-moving and moving tickets and confiscated 28 guns and 24 knives, box cutters and razors.