The Special Response Lieutenant oversees all the department’s special response teams.  He responds to call-outs assists the team leaders with administrative and training needs.  Below are descriptions of each team. 

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team 

The Sarasota Police Department provides the community with an added layer of public safety by fielding a SWAT team. The team is comprised of twenty specially trained law enforcement professionals, whose main objective is the preservation of life during high-risk operations and during the resolution of critical incidents.  

The SWAT team adheres to national best practices and standards outlined by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA). 

The SWAT team is supported by four full-time paramedics from the Sarasota County Fire Department, who deploy with the team during critical incidents.  

In 2021, two female officers tried out and joined this team.  These officers are the first female officers in SPD history to be members of the team. 

Crisis Negotiations Unit (CNU) 

The Crisis Negotiations Unit is comprised of highly trained officers tasked with responding to critical incidents involving hostage takers, barricaded subjects, suicidal persons, or other crisis intervention situations, in which the skills of negotiators would be of benefit.  

The main objective of CNU is to protect hostages, innocent citizens, people in crisis, and the perpetrator(s), with an emphasis on de-escalation and by encouraging a safe and peaceful resolution to all incidents. It is the policy of the Sarasota Police Department that, in critical incidents involving hostages, suicidal persons, and barricaded subjects, every reasonable and available effort will be made to establish negotiations of such situations to seek a peaceful resolution.  

Emergency Response Team (ERT) 

The Emergency Response Team consists of twelve officers and is led by a Team Leader. The Emergency Response Team responds to many types of incidents to include, Weapons of Mass Destruction, Civil Unrest, Tactical First-In Team (natural disasters), relief support for other law enforcement units, assisting in locating missing persons and/or evidence, and any other situation as directed by the Special Response Commander.  

Underwater Search and Recovery Team  

This team, also known as the Dive Team, provides for the availability of a specially trained unit capable of responding to emergencies and other situations occurring within jurisdictional waterways where the use of rescue divers may be needed. The team works in conjunction with the Marine Unit and has a critical role during the many special events that take place in Sarasota on or near the water throughout the year.  

Explosive Materials Unit (EMU) 

The Explosive Materials Unit consists of five specially trained officers who respond to calls in which a suspected explosive device has been located.  Their primary goal is to either render safe the device or stabilize it and transport it to a safe location for disposal.  

EMU Technicians are accredited by the FBI and adhere to strict training and qualification standards. Members are also cross-trained in hazardous materials response and work in conjunction with the Canine Explosive Detection Unit.