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Special Operations

Investigations
The Capitol Police Investigative Team is responsible for properly conducting all investigations that occur at the Capitol Complex. To meet this responsibility, the team is comprised of one lieutenant and four sworn investigators. The team members are trained and experienced investigators and are skilled in a wide array of investigative duties.

The Investigative Team is responsible for processing employment applications and conducting extensive background investigations on all Capitol Police applicants. The Investigative Team also conducts follow-up investigations on all reported criminal activities occurring at the Capitol Complex. Follow-up investigative work may include: the processing of property and/or evidence, identifying and interviewing suspects and witnesses, documenting investigative activity, completing affidavits for search and/or arrest warrants, and presenting evidence and testimony during criminal prosecutions.

Finally, the Investigative Team works closely with other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in sharing sensitive law enforcement intelligence information and in providing necessary investigative assistance upon request.

For more information, please contact Lieutenant Mark Baker at (850) 410-8415 or MarkBaker@fdle.state.fl.us
 
Hazardous Devices
The Capitol Police Hazardous Devices Unit was initially created in 1974. Capitol Police's Hazardous Devices Unit was the first squad in the North Florida area to become a fully equipped unit, the first to deploy a bomb robot, and the first to be accredited by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Bomb Data Center.

Members of the Hazardous Devices Unit must pass FBI mandated physicals, have a minimum of three years law enforcement experience and attend a six-week basic course at Redstone Arsenal, located in Huntsville, Alabama. Due to current terrorism trends and the potential for the use of Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD), members must also maintain certification as a Hazardous Materials Technician.

The work performed by the Unit is unique and highly technical, requiring specialized equipment such as portable x-rays, bomb suits, disrupters and robotics. To maintain proficiency, technicians train monthly, as well as attend annual regional training seminars. Team members often conduct training for public safety in the areas of terrorism, WMD and basic recruit training. The members provide technical support to tactical teams, as well as dignitary protection teams and render safe procedures of suspected improvised explosive devices, incendiary devices, chemicals, pyrotechnics and ammunition.

Today, the Capitol Police Hazardous Devices Unit is part of the Big Bend Regional Bomb Squad that supports the thirteen counties in the North Florida Regional Domestic Security Task Force.

For more information, please contact Captain Scotty Winfrey at (850) 413-9627 or ScottyWinfrey@fdle.state.fl.us
 
 
K-9
The overall security of the Capitol Complex is enhanced through the use of two explosives detection canine (K-9) teams. The K-9 breed utilized by the Capitol Police is the Labrador Retriever, which is well-suited for explosives detection work due to its calm temperament, strong work ethic, and its friendly nature with people.
Capitol Police K-9 teams are used to aid Capitol police officers in maintaining a safe and secure environment for elected officials, state employees, and visitors to the Capitol Complex. On a daily basis, Capitol Police K-9 teams may be seen conducting checks of vehicles used to make deliveries at the Capitol and conducting checks of packages being brought into the Capitol Complex through established security checkpoints. These teams participate in the North Florida Domestic Security Task Force and assist federal, state, and local agencies in the protection of their facilities, when requested.

While the Capitol Police K-9 teams strive to ensure the safety of all individuals within the Capitol Complex, their visible presence acts as deterrent to those who seek to do us harm.

The Capitol Police K-9 teams are tested annually to achieve certification in the detection of numerous explosive compounds by nationally accredited canine organizations. Since 2007, in partnership with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and the International Forensic Research Institute at Florida International University, the unit’s senior canine handler has assisted in the training and certification of canine teams for FHP’s Criminal Interdiction Unit. This senior canine handler is a certified instructor/evaluator for explosives detection and has attended numerous canine instructor schools to ensure team members are ready to meet the ever changing demands of this complex responsibility.

For more information, please contact Lieutenant Nicholas Corley at (850) 413-0140 or JamesHorton@fdle.state.fl.us



Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.