Special Operations
The Memphis Police Department provides specialized police services to the Memphis Police Department and to the City of Memphis through Special Operations.

Deputy Chief: Anthony Berryhill

Major: Vernell Stepter

Special Operations

Special Operations Units include:

• Air Support

• Canine Squad

• TACT

• Traffic

• Mounted Patrol

• Harbor Patrol

• Reserve Bureau

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Special Operations

Air Support

The Air Support Division is often utilized by other MPD squads and outside agencies in various types of operations. Helicopters flown by Air Support include three Bell Jet Ranger helicopters and a Eurocopter A-Star helicopter. Staffed 16 hours a day, this high flying unit handled 800 calls for service in 2009 and was instrumental in 85 arrests and handled 50 assist-other-agency calls.

Harbor Patrol

This unit is responsible for the safety and enforcement of marine activities along the Mississippi River. The Harbor Patrol currently has a 25 ft. Boston Whaler, 24 ft. Sea Ark and a 16 ft. aluminum weld. During 2009, the officers assigned to the Harbor Patrol handled 41 calls, 55 details, 361 boat checks, 79 requests for service, 53 calls from other agencies, issued 234 warnings, handled 47 boat assists, conducted 47 searches, rescued 19 people, and recovered 1 body.

Tact Unit

This elite unit, specially trained to respond to various emergency situations, is responsible for handling barricade situations, hostage rescues, counter terrorism, and high risk felony apprehensions. While not subject to regular calls for service like other units, the Tact Unit responded to 201 radio calls, initiated 11,968 specials, made 216 arrests, issued 1,079 tickets, and handled 9 barricade/hostage situations in 2009. The TACT Unit also participated in 6 VIP Security Details, 12 Community Outreach programs, and 6 gun seizures.

Mounted Patrol

Mounted Patrol performs a dual function within the department - providing assistance with crowd control or traffic control and providing positive community relations. In 2009, the staffing of Mounted Patrol consisted of one full-time lieutenant and 8 reserve officers who worked 24 hours per month. As a unit these Mounted Patrol officers and their mounts handled 33 community details, worked 69 patrol assignments, attended 25 training sessions and initiated 936 specials.

Canine Unit

This unit utilizes highly trained dogs who, along with their handlers, make-up a unique team responsible for building searches and suspect searches, as well as narcotic and explosive detection. In 2009, the Canine Unit answered 5,047 calls, initiated 8,335 specials, while making 537 arrests.

Officers in the Schools

The Officers in the Schools (OIS) Program assigns officers to 22 High Schools and 12 Middle and/or Jr. High Schools. The 37 officers assigned to the Memphis City Schools serve as mentors and leaders, as well as volunteer their time for civic groups, scouting troops, and various youth sports leagues. Since the Memphis City School has commenced their Blue Ribbon Initiative Plan, the Memphis  Police Department OIS continued their efforts in 2009 reporting a total of 803 arrests, issued 3 non-moving and moving tickets and confiscated 7 guns and 12 knives, box cutters and razors.