Learn About RPD's Special units
SWAT
The Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team is comprised of highly trained and disciplined officers who are skilled in tactical policing strategies. S.W.A.T. Team members respond to and neutralize incidents of armed individuals holding hostages, barricaded subjects with firearms, service of high-risk warrants, and other serious incidents. Officers must have completed a minimum of three (3) years of service as a sworn officer with the Rockford Police Department to be eligible for selection for the S.W.A.T. Team.
Detective Bureau
The Detective Bureau is tasked with case follow-up and final case disposition. Once an officer completes five (5) years of service with the Rockford Police Department, they can take a written exam for promotion to Investigator. Upon being promoted to Investigator, you can be assigned to one of several different units within the Detective Bureau:
-Domestic Violence
-Identification/ Crime Scene
-Financial & Property Crimes
-Narcotics
-Gangs
-Sensitive Crimes
-Violent Crimes
-General Case
K-9
The K-9 Unit is comprised of specially-trained canines and their officer handler. The K-9 Unit assists in the apprehension of criminals, the location of lost persons, the location of evidence, and other law enforcement duties. Officers must complete a minimum of four (4) years of service with the Rockford Police Department in order to be assigned to the K-9 Unit. RPD K-9 officers and their partners continually train to remain proficient in their duties and prepared for every shift.
Traffic
The Traffic Unit is responsible for the investigation and enforcement of traffic-related incidents, including traffic crash investigations and reconstruction, DUI enforcement, directed enforcement efforts, and other traffic-related enforcement and service responses. Officers must hold the rank of Investigator to be assigned to the Traffic Unit.
Bomb Squad
The Bomb Squad is responsible for the providing detection, evaluation, and rendering safe procedures for suspected improvised explosive devices (I.E.D.), incendiary devices, explosives, hazardous materials, pyrotechnics, military ordnance and weapons of mass destruction. Officers who have completed three (3) years with the Rockford Police Department are eligible to apply for appointment to the Bomb Squad.
School Resource Officers
School Resource Officers (S.R.O.) are responsible for initial and follow-up investigations of criminal incident occurring on Rockford Public School District property. SROs focus on security of their assigned schools, 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 are responsible for supporting patrol functions by working closely with citizens, businesses, and neighborhood groups in reducing or eliminating recurring crime and/or quality of life issues affecting neighborhoods and the community. Officers interested in Community Services must first complete four (4) years with the Rockford Police Department.
Resident Officer Community Keeper (ROCK) officers are Community Service officers that live in the neighborhood and work with neighbors, schools, and businesses to build and/or enhance relationships, address crime issues, deal with the quality of life matters affecting the neighborhood, and collaborate with Department partners on resolving the deteriorating conditions that exist.
Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) Unit
Rockford Housing Authority (RHA) officers are responsible for patrolling and enforcing laws and ordinances on Rockford Housing Authority property. Officers who have completed at least four (4) years of sworn service with the Rockford Police Department are eligible for assignment to the RHA Unit.
Crisis Co-Responder Team (CCRT)
Officers assigned to the Crisis Co-Responder Team are responsible for collaboratively working with personnel from Rosecrance and other area agencies to identify and provide follow-up interventions and resources to individuals who frequently utilize police services for mental health issues. Officers who have completed at least three (3) years of service with the Rockford Police Department are eligible to apply for CCRT.
Crisis Negotiation Unit
Officers assigned to the Crisis Negotiation Unit are responsible for dealing with potentially violent situations, including, but not limited to, barricaded subjects, hostage incidents, sniper fire incidents, and, at times, situations where individuals are threatening suicide with or without a weapon. Crisis Negotiation Unit members attempt to use non-violent means to bring any such incident to a successful close without the use of force. Officers with three (3) years completed as a sworn Rockford Police officer can apply for the Crisis Negotiation Unit.
Specialized Community Oriented Police Enforcement (SCOPE)
Officers assigned to the SCOPE Unit are responsible for supporting patrol and detective functions in unmarked vehicles, targeting high-crime areas within the city with an emphasis on areas of repeated citizen complaints of criminal activity. Officers who have completed three (3) years as a sworn officer with the Rockford Police Department can apply for a position on the SCOPE Unit.
