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RPD: Special Operations Division

The Special Operations Bureau is commanded by Rochester Police Deputy Chief Keith Stith. The Special Operations Bureau consists of the Investigations Division, Tactical Division and the Community Affairs Division.

Tactical Division

Tactical Unit, 261 Child Street, Rochester, NY 14611, is commanded by Rochester Police Captain Raymond W. Dearcop.

Tactical Unit (TACT) is responsible for augmenting and assisting patrol operations in covert surveillance, saturation patrol and providing coordination and technical assistance for specialized crime details, such as robbery and burglary prevention and suspect apprehension.  TAC Unit officers also provide a uniformed Honor Guard presence for official dignitary and ceremonial details.  

Traffic Enforcement Unit (TEU) is a specially trained unit of officers, patrolling in vehicles or on motorcycle, responsible for reducing traffic-related accidents, injuries and fatalities. TEU officers specialize in NYS Vehicle and Traffic Law enforcement and are certified radar operators. TEU provides specialized City-wide alcohol enforcement to combat incidences of DWI, proactive traffic enforcement and neighborhood speed watch details. TEU analyzes City-wide motor vehicle accidents and enforcement initiatives and is responsible for addressing traffic-related complaints. TEU provides City accident and enforcement data to the Traffic Control Board. TEU officers provide escorts for dignitary details and provide valuable support during City parades, marathons and several other on-road events. The TEU sergeant also coordinates the School Crossing Guard Program.

Mounted Patrol Unit (MTD) provides specialized mounted horse patrol services in the City to augment regular patrol duties. Mounted Patrol Officers on horseback provide high visibility patrol for specialized details and are an integral part of City special event details and crowd control. Mounted Patrols can be seen riding throughout Downtown and City neighborhoods, leading parades, and at various City special events, including Fourth of July fireworks, Blue Cross Arena events, and the Lilac and Corn Hill Arts festivals. Mounted officers also provide support for ceremonial Honor Guard details.  

K-9 Unit provides canine services for building, narcotics, nitrate and explosive searches and assisting with visiting dignitary protection. K-9 dogs are German Shepherds and undergo intensive training with their handlers in compliance with New York State standards. K-9 dogs are patrol tracking dogs, with some cross-trained for nitrate and narcotics searches. 

Central Investigation Section

Central Investigation Section (CIS) is responsible for conducting investigations and providing investigative support necessary for the effective operation of the RPD. CIS functions include:

  • Major Crimes Investigations investigate cases of homicide and incidents of suspicious or unexplained death, undetermined or incendiary fires, bank robberies and certain cases of missing persons and child abuse, including the sexual exploitation of children, and maintaining the Sex Offender Registry and files on known sex offenders. 
  • Investigative Support Services provides investigative support in license, firearms and economic crime investigations, administer polygraph and voice-stress analyzer examinations, and includes Police Evidence Technicians, Family and Victim Services, Victim Assistance and FACIT (Family Crisis Intervention Team). 
  • Special Investigation Section (SIS) is responsible for the suppression of organized crime, illegal narcotics trafficking and other vice-related activities. SIS is responsible for initiating special investigations, participating in multi-jurisdictional task forces and coordinating enforcement action including: Illegal narcotics trafficking, organized crime, illegal gambling, organized prostitution and pornography, illegal sale and distribution of liquor, tobacco and illegal firearms. SIS is further responsible for the investigation of any crime or series of crimes as directed by the Chief of Police.

Community Affairs Division  

The Community Affairs Division assists Chief of Police David M. Smith in coordinating all communications, public information and community engagement initiatives. The Community Affairs Division commands the Community Relations Unit, which includes the Neighborhood Service Centers (NSC) and Crime Prevention Officers (CPOs). 

As the RPD upholds its motto of "Serving with PRIDE - Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Dedication, Excellence" in order to forge a stronger bond with the community, the Community Affairs Bureau gives the Chief a viable means of fully engaging with various segments of the community. Typical work activities of the Community Affairs Bureau including:

  • Directing change management initiatives and developing strategies related to communications and community engagement;
  • Appraising local and national law enforcement issues related to community relations and recommending suitable solutions;
  • Implementing new programs, procedures and policies designed to improve the community's perception and appreciation for the RPD;
  • Meeting with community, business, educational, human service and civic action groups regarding their interaction with the RPD;
  • Representing the RPD to various groups concerned with intergovernmental law enforcement affairs;
  • Researching, developing and implementing effective communication tools to work with the diverse populations the RPD serves;
  • Identifying need, leading development and implementing progressive police training and mentoring programs;
  • Maintaining productive alliances with professional police agencies and other authorities;
  • Reviewing investigations into alleged or apparent discrimination or misconduct by RPD personnel and recommending discipline, training, etc.;
  • Representing the RPD before City Council, the County Legislature and other official entities;
  • Serving as the RPD's Chief Recruitment Officer and directing the Recruitment Unit and overall recruitment efforts to solicit and encourage prospective police officer candidates to seek employment with the RPD;
  • Serving as the RPD's Chief Public Information Officer (PIO) and directing personnel in performing public information duties;
  • Serving as the RPD's Chief Community Affairs Officer, overseeing the City's Neighborhood Service Centers;
  • Directing and coordinating all RPD activities related to social media initiatives