Aero Bureau
- function

 SED

The Special Enforcement Detail is responsible for handling high-risk, tactical operations involving barricaded suspects, hostage situations and high-risk warrant services. In addition, the detail provides security for visiting dignitaries and politicians. Patrol stations and detective units may also request the unit to provide "mission specific" police services in problematic areas. SED responds to approximately 150-200 tactical operations every year. Because of their capabilities and national recognition, the unit has been called upon to participate in joint operations and training with both federal and military units.

The Unit consists of full-time, dedicated Special Weapons Teams capable of providing 24 hour coverage throughout LA County. Most team members cross-train in several different disciplines.

SED conducts a number of specialized training schools throughout the year for both its own members and for outside agency tactical teams. These schools include a POST SWAT School, Tactical Long Rifle School, and an Explosive Breaching School. Students of these schools include both local and state agency personnel, as well as specialized federal and military contingents.

 

The Canine Services Detail is primarily responsible for assisting patrol stations by conducting searches for felony and/or armed suspects with the use of specially trained dogs and their handlers. The police service dogs assigned to the Canine Services Detail are also tasked with locating evidence discarded by outstanding suspects.

The Canine Services Detail also supports the Special Weapons Teams on all activations, as well as during the service of high-risk search/arrest warrants. Canine handlers regularly train and work in conjunction with the Special Weapons Teams and have attended the same SWAT Schools. They are generally the first responders to situations that will eventually necessitate the activation of a Special Weapons Teams and it is often a Canine Deputy at the scene who will assist in making the determination that an incident will require more than a tactical area search, particularly in barricaded suspect situations. The Canine Services Detail is a valued resource at the Special Enforcement Bureau, and provides tactical support to the entire department twenty-four hours a day. In addition to supporting the department, the Canine Services Detail also provides assistance to local law enforcement agencies that do not possess a canine program.

SEB also coordinates the use of the scent trailing and search and rescue dog teams which work for the Department. The scent trailing dogs work primarily on a contract basis, while the others work primarily on a volunteer basis.

 ESD

The Emergency Services Detail is responsible for coordinating and participating in mountain search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, and swift water and flood rescue operations for the Sheriff's Department. They staff the Air Rescue 5 Helicopter crew (see the Aero Bureau site for more information on Air-5), the Ocean Rescue Patrol Boat, and accompany the Special Weapons Teams on all operations. As SWT Paramedics, they are able to render aid to deputies, victims and suspects under hostile conditions. In addition to their SWT training, all ESD Deputies are certified paramedics and rescue divers.

ESD maintains two Reserve companies assigned to its command: A Medical Company, which consists of doctors and medical specialists available to work with the Air-5 crew on busy weekends and major holidays; And a Marine Dive Company, which consists of boat operators, marine technicians and underwater operations specialists who can assist with marine operations.