SPECIAL SERVICES

The Memphis Police Department provides specialized police services through the Special Operations Unit. The services are not only utilized by the Memphis Police Department but also regional law enforcement agencies.

The Air Support Division is often utilized by MPD units 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 16 hours a day, this high flying unit handled 481 calls for service in 2018 and was instrumental in 71 arrests and handled 16 assist-other-agency calls.

The Bomb Unit responded to 58 call outs in 2018. The Bomb Unit also participated in 34 miscellaneous incidents, 4 static displays,18 training events.

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 2018, the Caine Unit answered 3,597 calls, initiated 16,041 specials, made 406 felony arrest and 146 misdemeanor arrests.

This unit is responsible for the safety and enforcement of marine activities along the Mississippi River. The unit has three vessels in its fleet including a 25-foot Boston Whaler, 24-foot Sea Ark and a 16-foot aluminum boat — officers assigned to the unit are responsible for ensuring daily that the vessels are ready to put into service.

Mounted Patrol provides assistance with crowd control, traffic control and providing positive community relations. The Mounted Patrol Unit began 2015 with a total compliment of (10) officers. This number included (1) Lieutenant, (1) Sergeant, (5) Patrolman, and (1) Reserve Patrolmen. Additional trained officers are: (2) additional auxiliary officers. As a unit, the Mounted Patrol officers and their 10 mounts handle community details, work patrol assignments, attend training sessions and initiate specials.

The Officers in the Schools (OIS) Program assigns officers to 22 High Schools and 3 Middle Schools. The 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 Memphis City School commenced their Blue Ribbon Initiative Plan, the OIS has reported a total of 1,469 arrests, issued 3709 non-moving and moving tickets and confiscated 6 guns and 23 cutting instruments in 2012.

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.

Although not subject to regular calls for service like patrol units, the Tact Unit responded to 18 radio calls, initiated 822 specials, made 6 arrests, and handled 4 barricade/hostage situations in 2018.The TACT Unit also participated in 40 VIP Security Details, 36 Community Outreach programs, and 10 gun seizures.