SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT
The mission of the Special Operations Unit is to provide specialized police services on a city- wide basis, some of which is in the form of assistance to officers in the various sectors with their duties. Much of our work in operations is geared to be an adjunct to officer in the sectors to assist in performance of their duties. Our goal is to provide increased staffing as needed to address crime and issues given the circumstances, be it an emergency or special event such as the Water Festival, the Lowell Folk Festival, and Winter Fest. We are committed to working with the community to identify and solve problems in a proactive manner. Sgt. Russ Taylor can be reached at (978) 970 –3322.
The Special Operations Unit is currently comprised of the following personnel:
- Four officers make up Mounted Unit Patrol
- Two officers staff the Mobile Operations Unit and River One, the police boat
- Three canine officers
- Several officers are trained for service in the motorcycle unit
Our unit includes the following equipment:
Mobile Operations Unit
The LPD Mobile Operations Unit is a 38-foot command center used for the purpose of command and control, and crime scene management. Types of incidents the van is used for include crime scenes, missing persons, mobile precinct operations, and as a base for police operations at large events. The van is equipped with state of the art communications equipment including telephones, a fax, microwave transmitting equipment, and regional fire and police radio networks. The van is also used for educational programs at city schools.
LPD Riverboat
The police boat is a 21' Boston Whaler patrol boat. The boat, known as “River One”, is crewed by members of the Response Unit, and is in use from May through September. It is Lowell's contribution to the Regional River Patrol, in partnership with the towns of Chelmsford and Tyngsboro. Officers assigned to the unit are charged with the enforcement of laws and regulations on and along the Merrimack River from Lowell to the New Hampshire border. Officers conduct boating inspections and safety checks of watercraft on the river, and render assistance to boaters as needed. Last year, officers participated in several water rescues and issued two dozen citations on the river.
Mounted Unit
The mounted unit is primarily used for visibility and crowd control. The presence of an officer on a horse is obvious and powerful. The mounted unit is used on a daily basis in the downtown area. First, they ensure a constant visible presence of officers in this area. Secondly, they assist with crowd control as 3,500 students pour into the downtown with the daily dismissal of Lowell High School.
Frequently asked questions:
Contact us at the above number during normal business hours. You must contact us at least two weeks prior to the event. You may also contact our detail office at 978-937-3205 to schedule a detail for your event.
- Can my school or group tour the Mobile Operations Unit (The Van)?
It is possible and pre-arranged tours are conducted frequently. Please contact us for further information.
- If we see your personnel at a public event may we touch the horses, ride in the van or motorcycles, pet the dogs, or ride the boat?
No. You may pet the horses only if the officer in charge gives you permission. This is for YOUR safety. The same safety rules apply for our canines and our special equipment.
If you have further questions, please direct them to (978) 970 – 3322.
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