Tactical Services Unit

The SBI's Tactical Services Unit responds to hostage situations, barricaded suspects, high-risk search warrants and arrests, explosive devices and high-level security events.

  • Crisis Negotiation -- with barricaded subjects and hostage takes
  • Criminal Apprehension Program -- to trackdown and arrest fugitive and crime suspects as well as assist missing/endangered person cases
  • Special Response Team -- responds to hostage situations, barricaded suspects, high-risk search warrants and arrests or high-level security events
  • Technical Services -- provides sophisticated assistance in audio, video and surveillance
  • Weapons of Mass Destruction/Hazardous Devices -- handles bombs, biological weapons and other explosives
SBI agents who serve in these units are required to maintain a high level of expertise in tactical operations and specialized equipment. Each unit is coordinated by an assistant special agent in charge.

Criminal Apprehension Program
The Criminal Apprehension Program works to locate hard-to-find fugitives, homicide and drug trafficking suspects and missing/endangered persons at the request of local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. This program began in March 2007.

Crisis Negotiators
More than 30 SBI agents make up the Crisis Negotiation Team which conducts negotiations with barricaded subjects and hostage takers to try to resolve situations peacefully. The team works with ongoing SBI operations and responds to requests from local law enforcement.

Crisis Negotiation Team members provide intelligence information obtained via negotiations for the Special Response Team to use for tactical purposes.

Special Response Team 
The SRT provides quick services to SBI investigations as well as to other law enforcement agencies to save lives and apprehend lawbreakers. SRT agents are proficient in the use of special equipment, skills and tactics.

The team responds to variety of situations such as hostage rescues, barricaded felons, dignitary protection, terrorist acts, meth labs and high-risk arrests, drug buys and search warrants. SRT agents also maintain a regular case load at the district level and undergo continuous training to keep their skills sharp.

Technical Services
Agents provide expertise in audio, video and other surveillance to law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.

Technical Services agents also maintain and operate the Mobile Command Post vehicle which is used for command and control of large-scale operations like major crime scenes, hostage situations, and special events where intensive security is required. The Mobile Command Post houses state-of-the-art communications equipment, enabling multiple agencies with different radios and frequencies to communicate.