Rockford Police Department Special Units
SWAT
The Rockford Police Department SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team consists of highly trained, disciplined officers adept in tactical policing strategies. Members of the SWAT Team respond to and neutralize incidents involving armed individuals holding hostages, barricaded subjects with firearms, the service of high-risk warrants, and various serious situations. To be eligible for selection to the S.W.A.T. Team, officers must have completed a minimum of three (3) years of service as sworn officers with the Rockford Police Department.
Detective Bureau
The Rockford Police Detective Bureau is responsible for case follow-up and final case disposition. After completing five (5) years of service with the Rockford Police Department, officers can take a written exam for promotion to Investigator. Upon promotion, officers may be assigned to various specialized units within the Detective Bureau, such as Domestic Violence, Identification/Crime Scene, Financial & Property Crimes, Narcotics, Gangs, Sensitive Crimes, Violent Crimes, or General Case.
K-9
The K-9 Unit comprises specially-trained canines and their officer handlers from the Rockford Police Department. This unit assists in criminal apprehension, locating lost persons, finding evidence, and other law enforcement duties. Officers must complete at least four (4) years of service with the Rockford Police Department to be eligible for assignment to the K-9 Unit. RPD K-9 officers and their canine partners continually train to maintain proficiency and prepare for every shift.
Traffic
The Traffic Unit is tasked with investigating and enforcing traffic-related incidents, including traffic crash investigations, DUI enforcement, and directed enforcement efforts. Officers must hold the rank of Investigator to be assigned to the Traffic Unit.
Bomb Squad
The Bomb Squad at the Rockford Police Department is responsible for the detection, evaluation, and safe handling of suspected improvised explosive devices (I.E.D.), incendiary devices, explosives, hazardous materials, pyrotechnics, military ordnance, and weapons of mass destruction. Officers who have served three (3) years with the Rockford Police Department are eligible to apply for a position on the Bomb Squad.
School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers (S.R.O.) manage initial and follow-up investigations of criminal incidents occurring on Rockford Public School District property. SROs prioritize security at assigned schools, focusing on conflict resolution, mediation, education, and community policing. Officers who have completed three (3) years with the Rockford Police Department are eligible for assignment to the School Resource Unit.
Community Services & R.O.C.K.
Community Service officers support patrol functions by collaborating closely with citizens, businesses, and neighborhood groups to reduce or eliminate recurring crime and quality of life issues. Officers interested in Community Services must first complete four (4) years with the Rockford Police Department. Resident Officer Community Keeper (ROCK) officers are community officers living in neighborhoods and working with residents, schools, and businesses to enhance relationships, address crime issues, and resolve quality of life challenges in the area.
Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) Unit
Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) officers patrol and enforce laws on Rockford Housing Authority property. Officers must complete at least four (4) years of sworn service with the Rockford Police Department to be eligible for assignment to the RHA Unit.
Crisis Co-Responder Team (CCRT)
Officers in the Crisis Co-Responder Team work collaboratively with personnel from Rosecrance and other area agencies to identify and provide follow-up interventions for individuals frequently using police services for mental health issues. Eligibility for the CCRT requires a minimum of three (3) years of service with the Rockford Police Department.
Crisis Negotiation Unit
Officers assigned to the Crisis Negotiation Unit manage potentially violent situations, such as barricaded subjects, hostage incidents, sniper fire, and suicide threats with or without a weapon. The unit aims to resolve these situations peacefully, minimizing the use of force. Officers with three (3) years of service as sworn members of the Rockford Police Department can apply for the Crisis Negotiation Unit.
Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement (SCOPE)
Officers in the SCOPE Unit support patrol and detective functions in unmarked vehicles, targeting high-crime areas within the city, especially where citizens report recurring criminal activity. To apply for a position on the SCOPE Unit, officers must have completed three (3) years as a sworn officer with the Rockford Police Department.
