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Topics:
Police Divisions: Related links: |
Patrol Special OperationsPreparing for high-risk situations From the robot above to a certified bomb-detection dog stationed at the Mall of America, Emergency Services' Bomb Squad has highly trained and specialized assistance. The Bloomington Police Department has a number of specialized units providing a wide variety of services to the community. Whether a natural disaster or a man-made one, Patrol Special Operations is ready to respond. The division assesses critical areas and plans strategies for dealing with possible disasters. Responsible for coordinating relief efforts with departments, Patrol Special Operations' trained personnel and specialized equipment are ready to act in an emergency. Commander Jim Ryan heads Patrol Special Operations. The division's areas of responsibility are:
Community Service Officers ProgramInstituted in 2000, the Community Service Officer (CSO) program has become an integral part of the department by freeing up officers’ time so they can better serve the community. Those hired for these part-time positions are seeking a career as law enforcement officers and are actively working on the licensing requirements. Duties include department vehicle needs, prisoner meal preparation and distribution, transporting evidence to county and state agencies, assisting at the animal shelter and miscellaneous duties as needed. Emergency Response UnitThe Emergency Response Unit (ERU) is comprised of four teams: the Bomb Squad, the Hostage Negotiation Team, the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team and Medical Support. Members of ERU have regular assignments within the department. Whenever there is a need for highly trained officers using special weapons and tactics, the ERU team members respond. ERU is trained to safely resolve high-risk situations that require prompt response by highly trained and equipped teams. At the decision of the shift supervisor, ERU is called on to handle situations that may include:
Bomb SquadThe Bomb Squad responds to incidents that involve improvised explosive and incendiary devices. In addition, the Bomb Squad conducts post-blast, crime-scene investigations and high-risk entries for the SWAT Team. One of only four squads in Minnesota, the Bomb Squad receives funding from the State of Minnesota for responding to calls for service outside their jurisdiction. The Squad also covers the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The Bomb Squad provides threat assessments and bomb awareness training to the public and private sectors, teaches at the Citizen's Police Academy, provides demonstrations at community events and functions, and trains new officers in basic explosive detection awareness. Specialized equipment includes robots, trucks, Segways, a retrofitted total containment vessel for biological and chemical weapons, bomb suits and a communications system. Hostage Negotiation TeamThe Hostage Negotiations Team is a group of specifically-trained officers and dispatchers who bring about the peaceful resolution of critical incidents involving subjects "in crises." The team works in partnership with the SWAT Team, who provides tactical protection and response that allows the negotiation process to occur. All members have had extensive training through the FBI in dealing with critical incidents. SWATThe Bloomington SWAT Team was formed in 1983 and is comprised of a commander, three sergeants, 14 officers and three tactical paramedics who respond to high-risk situations. Team members also teach at the Citizen's Police Academy, provide demonstrations to Bloomington citizens and other jurisdictions, train Bloomington Police Officers in rapid deployment for active shooters in schools and train the Bloomington School District in lockdowns and threat assessments of their buildings. Many team members also provide additional training to department personnel in firearms and the use of force. Mall of America UnitThe unit works to provide a safe and secure shopping experience for visitors to the Mall and develops a partnership with businesses to maintain a successful retail environment that benefits the community. The main focus is working with business owners on crime prevention by educating and training on ways to prevent theft and enhance communication. With more than 43 million visitors each year, the Mall is the largest retail and entertainment complex and the top tourist destination in the nation. The Mall Unit has established a creative partnership with businesses and Mall security that is beneficial to the city as well as to the Bloomington Police Department. The storefront office is located on the second level of the Mall of America, near the east entrance, and is staffed during retail hours. Special eventsSpecial Events is staffed by one sergeant, who reports to the Commander of Special Operations. Duties include coordinating special events and contractual overtime, tracking city-county forfeitures from seizure to sale, supervising the Community Service Officers, Reserves and Chaplains, and coordinating jail activities. Traffic UnitThe Traffic Unit does more than write tickets. It is responsible for the investigation of hit-and-run accidents, fatal and serious personal injury accidents, and felony fleeing police and DWI arrests. The unit also receives driving complaints and determines areas for concentrated education and enforcement. Along with the typical radar and laser speed detection devices, the unit utilizes speed trailers and a MetroCount data collection unit. MetroCount analyzes traffic data and determines when violations occur most often to maximize the enforcement effort. Officers have specialty assignments within the unit: Two Traffic Crash Reconstructionists, two Motor Officers who drive the department's two motorcycles, Crash Investigators and a Commercial Vehicle Inspector who enforces state and federal motor vehicle carrier laws. For more information, contact:
Bloomington Police Department
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