TUPELO POLICE DEPARTMENT

 TACTICAL UNIT

SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP (SOG)

The mission of the Tupelo Police Department’s SOG team is to protect and serve the City of Tupelo through the use of special weapons and tactics.

The tactical unit is comprised of officers from the Support and Operations division of the Tupelo Police Department.  The officers receive extensive training in special weapons and equipment, tactics and physical training.  The team is required to be on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and respond to situations such as:

·        High – Risk search warrants

·        Barricaded suspects with hostages

·        High risk arrest warrants

·        Dignitary protection

The team is commanded by the Major of Patrol, and a Captain.  There are (2) lieutenants who serve as team leaders.  The team has (15) members and a medic. 

 

In order to be considered for this assignment, an officer must have 2 years or more law enforcement experience, a satisfactory evaluation from his immediate supervisor, must pass a physical fitness battery which consists of a bench press, agility run, 1-1/2 run, pull-ups and a stress event.  The officer must also demonstrate proficiency with their firearms.  Afterwards, an interview is conducted by team members.  In 2003, the team was activated approximately (30) times.