Special Operations Division

Civil Disturbance Unit (CDU)

This unit responds to organized protests where the likelihood of civil disobedience or outright riot exists.

Special Weapons & Tactics (SWAT)

This unit is deployed in situations of high risk including felony and drug search warrants, hostage situations, and barricaded suspects.

Explosive Devices Unit

The “Bomb Squad” works closely with SWAT and hostage units in barricaded-suspect situations.

K-9 Unit

The K-9 unit assists with an officer’s request to perform vehicle, residential, or area sweeps for narcotics and are also used for in-progress calls to assist with tracking and locating possible suspects.

Crisis Negotiation Unit

This unit’s members respond to many crises with the SWAT team, including barricaded suspects and hostage situations, as well as suicidal subjects.

Schools

Traffic Unit

Underwater Response & Swiftwater Team

The Underwater Response and Swiftwater Team works in conjunction with the Marine Patrol unit in searches for missing persons, vehicles, and evidence in Charleston Harbor, local rivers, and lakes.

Harbor Patrol Unit

Honor Guard

This unit serves the department, the city, and neighboring agencies, providing Presentation of Colors at public and formal events, inspection, and police funerals.