Special Operations
Lt. Robert De Modna
Sgt. Marco Garced
Special Operations combines proven problem solving and crime fighting elements with several innovative task specific units. Now under a single command a new collaborative effort has begun. Supported by critical training, equipment and resources, it stands ready to proactively address the new challenges of policing a dynamic and growing city.
Emergency Services Unit
ESU Officers duties include:
- Intermediate/Advanced Emergency Medical Care
- Hostages Rescue
- Violent Crimes in Progress
- Barricaded / Suicidal Persons
- WMD/Homeland Security
- High / Low angle rescues
- Train/Bus emergencies
- Bomb threats/suspicious packages
- High-risk & no-knock warrant service
- Water / Ice Rescue
Entry level training for all ESU operators consists of a 10-week program including rescue, tactical, medical and weapons training. Additionally each member undergoes monthly weapons and tactics training and regularly participates in County-wide training exercises.
K-9 Unit
The primary mission of the K-9 Team is to provide assistance and support to other emergency personnel during incidents that may be beyond the scope of normal police training and capability. These incidents may include, but are not limited to, Building searches, Searches for suspects or missing persons, Handler protection, Detection of explosives/nitrates as well as the Detection of certain controlled substances to include cocaine, heroin, marijuana and methamphetamines.
The White Plains Police Canine Unit utilizes handler-controlled deployment. This deployment technique is safer for the officers, the canine, the suspect, and anyone else who may be in the search area. When tactically deployed White Plains Police canines will engage and hold a suspect unless they receive a command from their handler to do otherwise. White Plains Police canines are kept in sight as long as it is tactically safe to do so, and the canines are always under voice control.
Department K-9 Teams will be used only for such functions for which they have been trained and demonstrated proficiency. The manner and methods of K-9 use will be determined by the K-9 Handler in accordance with his or her training, experience, and sound judgment.
Special Response Team (SRT)
The Special Response Team is a group of highly trained and equipped officers that are called upon to respond to incidents which are beyond the scope of normal police training. To be a part of the Department’s Special Response Team, officers have to navigate a rigorous selection process which includes physical performance tests, situational judgement evaluation and firearms proficiency.
Special Response Team officers are deployed for incidents that would require specialized weapons and tactics such as Hostage Rescue, Barricaded Subjects, Building Searches and High Risk Warrant Service. The Special Response Team is also frequently called to supplement the Department’s Emergency Services Unit during High/Low Angle Rope Rescues and incidents involving persons in crisis
Traffic
Traffic safety is the primary focus of the Traffic Division. In order to achieve traffic safety the division focuses on accident reduction.
This can be accomplished by enforcement of traffic laws, public education and awareness and a constant monitoring of situations and events that require police presence.
When combating accidents and accident related injuries there are several factors which have been identified as prime factors: speeding, driver inattention and safety/prevention. Because of these three factors officers pay strict attention to the areas of enforcement concerning speed, cell phone use and seat belt use. This selective enforcement involves strict enforcement of identified infractions in known and suspected locations within the city. These locations are determined by observations, surveys and civilian complaints.
To facilitate traffic safety the division incorporates the use of technical equipment as tools for roadway safety.These range from tint meters to radar units, alcohol screening kits to laser units and in car video cameras to automated license plates readers. Whatever tools are available the division will utilize them to provide a safe and secure route on the streets of White Plains.
A major function of the Traffic Division is coordination, planning and logistics of events within the city. These events range from the daily funeral escorts, to the closure of roadways due to parades, festivals, demonstrations, rallies or emergency events such as fires or electrical failures.
Construction within the city is a continual event. New building projects, maintenance and repair of old facilities and the general upkeep on the whole require planning and execution. The Traffic Division contributes input at logistical and pre-planning meetings and monitors roadway obstruction permits and street closures.
The Traffic Division is also responsible for the management of towing incidents involving vehicle accidents and impounds as well as the management of school crossings and those part time personnel employed to provide safe passage of students.
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