Special Assignments

Response & Preparedness Group

The Response and Preparedness Group (RPG) serves as TPD’s emergency disaster team, ensuring the department is optimally positioned and equipped to rapidly respond to any critical incident or large-scale disaster situation. Formed in the wake of the devastating April 2011 tornadoes, the RPG is responsible for maintaining readiness and coordinating the deployment of specialized, non-traditional equipment and resources when emergencies arise. RPG is often deployed to assist during high-risk or large scale enforcement responses as well as special events.

Crisis Negotiation Team

The Crisis Negotiation Team is an on-call unit activated when there is a need to communicate with an individual that has barricaded him or herself in a house or a building, is suicidal, or has active warrants and refuses to surrender to officers. The CNT is also utilized when there is a hostage situation and communication is needed to bring a peaceful resolution.

SWAT

The SWAT Unit consists of highly trained personnel with specific skills in marksmanship, tactical response and containment, deployment of chemical munitions, less lethal munitions and explosive breaching. The unit has been utilized for high-risk warrant service, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, search and rescue and VIP security.

K9

TPD started its Canine Unit in the early 1970s with two dual-purpose dogs. Today, TPD has four canines each with a full-time handler. A handler and his canine are on call twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, to assist patrol or other specialty units should the need arise. All canines are assigned to the patrol division.

Major Crimes Response

The Major Crimes Response Unit (MCRU) was created in 2007, as a subdivision of the Criminal Investigations Division, to process major crime scenes through documentation, evidence collection and analysis.

Hazardous Devices

The Hazardous Device Unit technicians are specially trained in the recognition, identification, and disarming of explosives, incendiary devices and other weapons of mass destruction. HDU technicians are certified by the FBI at their Hazardous Devices School at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama.

Honor Guard

The Honor Guard has represented the Police Department at funerals, inaugurations and the posting of colors at various local, state and national ceremonies. The goal of the Honor Guard Team is to represent the Tuscaloosa Police Department in the utmost professional manner and to honor and pay respect to fallen officers and their families.

Tactical Flight Officers

Tactical Flight Officers accompany pilots during aerial operations and provide support during high-risk situations including pursuits and warrant service. TFOs assist with observation and surveillance, searches and communication between the air crew and ground units.

Dive Team

Members of the Dive Team conduct underwater search, recovery and rescue operations. These officers undergo extensive training in open water diving, underwater search patterns, navigation techniques and emergency procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness during search, rescue, recovery and evidence collection operations.

Bike Patrol

Bike Patrol officers are deployed during special events, such as University of Alabama football games and other high-traffic events. Their high visibility contributes to effective crowd control and allows for quick responses while providing opportunities for positive community engagement.

Traffic Homicide

Members of the Traffic Homicide Unit investigate serious traffic crashes and crashes that result in fatalities. They’re trained to thoroughly document crash sites, collect and preserve evidence, reconstruct a sequence of events and conduct detailed witness interviews.

Peer Support Team

The Peer Support Team provides confidential counseling to colleagues who may be dealing with job-related stress or personal issues. These officers help develop healthy coping mechanisms and stress management strategies and ensure TPD is a supportive environment for all officers.