SPECIAL OPERATIONS

The Special Operations Division is responsible for all special investigations, all felony investigations, crime scene processing and some misdemeanor investigations. The Division is comprised of the Detective Section, Identification Section and Crime Reduction Section. The division is supervised by the Special Operations Commander, Brian McNulty.

Detective Section

 The Detective Section is supervised by Detective/Sergeant Jay Hopwood. There are four detectives assigned to the section who are responsible for investigating all felony cases. The division secretary maintains all computerized felony assignment logs, transcribes taped statements and handles correspondence for the division.                         

Crime Reduction Section

This section is comprised of a Sergeant and three officers and has the responsibility of investigating crime in high drug areas. They perform surveillance as necessary when patterns are detected such as several burglaries taking place or where drug sales frequently occur.

Identification Section

The Identification Section is staffed full time by Officer Jeff Sauro, an eighteen year veteran of the department. Officer Sauro was previously assigned to the Uniform Patrol Division, and the Detective Section which has given him a wide range of experience. He processes crime scenes, collects evidence, lifts fingerprints and takes photographs. As ID Officer, he is responsible for the care and maintenance of the department's electronic equipment, as well as surveillance equipment installed in several local businesses.

Officer Sauro wears many hats in his daily duties. He is primarily responsible for crime scene processing, evidence collecting and preparation of evidence for lab analysis or court presentation. Officer Sauro also maintains the photographs and fingerprints of persons arrested.

One of the major advancements of the Identification Section is the recently installed digital imaging camera (photographs) which now allows the department to develop computerized photo line ups. With this advancement, the department is able to produce a professional looking photo pack, a far cry from the past when photographs were pasted in a manila folder and labeled "photo pack".

Special Response Team

The Haines City Special Response Team was formed in November 1999 and is comprised of ten officers. Team Commander Lieutenant Brian Mcnulty and Team Leader Corporal Michael Green supervise the team.

It is the responsibility of the Special Response Team to provide specially trained and equipped officers for situations beyond the capabilities of normal patrol officers. The responsibilities of the Special Response Team are as follows:

A. Crisis negotiations

B. Special event coverage                                                     

C. Dignitary coverage

D. Disaster response

E. Civil disturbances

F. Search and rescue missions

G. Apprehension of armed and dangerous subject

H. High risk search warrants

I. Terrorism attacks

Last updated May 12, 2006