Members of the Punta Gorda Police Department participate in a number of specialty team and specialty assignments.

 

Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team

The Punta Gorda Police Department does not maintain a departmental SWAT Team, however, in a cooperative effort the police department provides sworn members to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office for a combines SWAT Team. The primary responsibility of the SWAT Team is to provide specialized services in support of law enforcement operations which require the use of special weapons or tactics such as executing warrants or standoff situations. 

 

                         

Canine Team

The Canine Team currently consists of one canine handler and one canine. The Punta Gorda Police Department canine is German Shepherd trained in the detection of drugs and the tracking of missing children or endangered persons. Our K9 team consists of Officer Jessie Richards and K9 Sasha and they are assigned to road patrol.

 

Police Bike Team

The Police Bike Team is made up of specially trained officers for the purpose of augmenting patrols, providing bicycle education and outreach, and providing patrol for events when vehicle patrols are not feasible. 

Search and Recovery Dive Team

The Search and Recovery Dive Team responds for the purpose of conducting underwater searches and recovery operations.

 

Marine Rapid Response Team

The Marine Rapid Response Team is available to assist the Marine Unit in emergency situations that require a response by boat.

 

 

Honor Guard Team

The Honor Guard Team serves as official representatives of the Punta Gorda Police Department and coordinate department involvement in ceremonies, events, and funerals. They also serve as subject matter experts for the department in ceremonial and flag etiquette.  

 

Motor Team

The Motor Team is made up of officers with specialized training in police motorcycle operations. This team is meant to supplement traffic patrols as well as represent the department, in conjunction with the Honor Guard, in parades, ceremonies, and funerals.

 

CTO/FTO Team

The Communications Training Operator(CTO) & Field Training Officer (FTO) Team is responsible for training all new Public Safety Dispatchers and Police Officers. New employees are assigned directly to a CTO or FTO for each portions of their initial training.

 

Department Recruiters

Department Recruiters assist with the police department's recruiting efforts in order to hire the best police officers, public safety dispatchers, and professional staff members.

 

Traffic Homicide Investigators

Officers assigned as Traffic Homicide Investigators receive specialized advanced training in traffic crash investigation and reconstruction. Traffic Homicide Investigators respond to crashes involving a fatality or serious injury. 

 

Accreditation Assessor Team

The Punta Gorda Police Department has several members trained as Accreditation Assessors. These members may serve as assessors at other departments throughout the State of Florida and assist the Punta Gorda Police Department in ensuring ongoing compliance with all accreditation standards.