Enforcement Operations Bureau - Special Operations Division

The Special Operations Division falls under The Enforcement Operations Bureau. The Enforcement Operations Bureau has several other divisions: Patrol Division, Investigations Division, Narcotics Division,  and Crime Prevention Unit.

Many special events are held each year in Monterey County, drawing large numbers of spectators and visitors to the area. To maintain public order and safety at such events, the Sheriff’s Office has assigned a Commander to assist in event planning and to act as on-scene public safety director. The Special Operations Division Commander serves as the Sheriff’s management planner when the event reaches a size that will require resources from more than one unit. The Division includes these units:

Special Enforcement Detail (SED): This unit is designed to handle general or directed enforcement situations requiring the focus of highly trained personnel using specialized tactics. This includes gang violence suppression techniques.

Vehicle Abatement Program: This responsibility was transferred from the Public Works Department to the Sheriff’s Office in July, 1999. Monterey County Ordinance No. 3644 authorizes the Sheriff “…to abate and remove the public nuisances of abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative vehicles or parts thereof from private or public property...”. The Vehicle Abatement Officer also assists other County departments such as Planning and Health with various code enforcement situations. Please visit our Abandoned Vehicle/Vehicle Abatement page for more detailed information.

Multi-Agency Detail for Commercial Auto Theft (MADCAT): This is a multi-agency task force comprised of personnel from the Sheriff’s Office and the California Highway Patrol. MADCAT’s mission is to investigate the theft of vehicles and related crimes such as “chop shops”. This unit works across jurisdictional lines, in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County.

Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT): The unit consists of 23 deputies and three sergeants equipped and trained to handle high risk situations and other special operations. This is a collateral assignment for the team members. The SWAT team provides a coordinated response to crisis incidents throughout Monterey County. They may include hostage/barricaded suspect situations, civil disturbances, security operations, and high risk arrest and search warrants.

 Hostage/Crisis Negotiation Team: "HNT" is a group of specifically trained deputies whose mission is to bring about the peaceful resolution of critical incidents involving "subjects in crises." The "subjects in crises" may be barricaded criminals, suicidal persons, emotionally or psychologically disturbed persons, persons in the midst of domestic problems, or even persons who today would be labeled political terrorists. "HNT" works in partnership with the Sheriff's SWAT Team who provide the tactical protection and response necessary to allow the negotiation process to occur. In addition to the unincorporated area of the county, it also responds to requests for aid from cities within the county who do not have an "HNT" of their own. The team responds at any hour and any day an incident may occur. The Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) works in conjunction with SWAT to help achieve safe and peaceful resolutions to certain types of situations.

Reserve Deputy Sheriff Program: This consists of Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) level I, II & III reserves. Reserves meet and train on a monthly basis and are required to work a minimum of one shift per month plus special events to maintain their reserve status.   Besides patrol and custody operations, uniformed reserve deputies assist at functions including the AT&T golf tournament, Artichoke Festival, Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca events, Salinas Air Show, Aromas Days and funeral escorts.

Motor Squadron: A part of this program is the Sheriff's Motor Squadron whose membership is made up of Level I and Level II Reserves. Please visit our Motor Squadron page for more information.

Vehicle Maintenance Coordinator: Working under the direction of the Division Commander, the Vehicle Coordinator is responsible for a fleet of approximately 225 vehicles. The Coordinator is responsible for making sure that each of the vehicles is maintained in good running order, and that they meet all maintenance or repair schedules. The Coordinator facilitates the specifications, systematic upgrading and ordering process for vehicles as well as the communications and emergency equipment they require.

Monterey County Gang Task Force: This is a grant funded anti-gang task force staffed by personnel from the Sheriff’s Office, the Salinas Police Department and the California Highway Patrol. A Salinas Police Department Commander manages the task force. Sheriff’s Office personnel assigned to the Task Force include a sergeant, four deputies, and a Criminal Intelligence Specialist. 

Criminal Intelligence Specialist: Primary duties are to collect, evaluate and disseminate timely intelligence information, as well as analyze criminal activity information in support of other Divisions. The CIS also manages and monitors the sex offender registration program, as well as the arson, gang and narcotics registration programs.

Bomb Squad: The Sheriff’s Bomb Squad is trained and equipped to handle explosive and other hazardous devices throughout the county. This is a collateral assignment for the team members which include a sergeant, two deputies and one detective.