PBPD Subdivisions

Specially trained police service dogs and handlers extend PBPD's detection, tracking, search, and apprehension capabilities.

• Supports patrol officers during traffic stops, searches, investigations, and high-risk incidents.
• Tracks suspects and searches nearby people, vehicles, buildings, and open areas.
• Detects illegal substances and helps locate items that officers may otherwise miss.
• Assists with controlled suspect apprehension, tackling, barking, and holding when authorized.
• Each K9 is assigned to a handler responsible for its care, equipment, training, and deployment.
• Prioritizes the safety of officers, civilians, and the service dog during every deployment.

Air One gives ground units a real-time view from above through trained helicopter crews and specialized observation tools.

• Tracks suspect location and movement for ground officers using night vision and thermal imaging.
• Operates one Air One unit per radio traffic operation and remains above the 150-foot city minimum.
• Takes off and lands only at helipads or at scene locations confirmed clear of nearby hazards.
• Carries no more than one co-pilot, who must also hold Air One certification.
• Transports regular officers only for medevac purposes and never transports prisoners.
• Carries a medical bag and toolbox to support emergency care and ground-unit operations.

The Maritime Unit extends PBPD coverage across Paleto Bay's shoreline, waterways, docks, and offshore areas.

• Patrols coastal waters, marinas, docks, and other high-traffic waterfront areas.
• Responds to vessels in distress and supports water-based search and rescue efforts.
• Assists ground units when suspects flee by water or incidents cross the shoreline.
• Conducts safety checks and helps identify dangerous or unauthorized boating activity.
• Provides secure waterborne transport when an operation requires access from the coast.
• Coordinates with Air One and shore-based officers during larger maritime incidents.

A specialized bureau focused on identifying, locating, and safely apprehending wanted individuals.

• Deploys for high-priority warrants, complex apprehensions, and coordinated department operations.
• Reviews available intelligence and creates an operational plan before taking action.
• Coordinates involved units while maintaining concise, professional radio communication.
• Uses only authorized vehicles and equipment, with members responsible for their condition and security.
• Documents apprehensions, incidents, operations, and equipment issues with accurate reports.
• Operates through a defined command structure with discipline, accountability, teamwork, and safety.

ERU provides an organized tactical response when an incident is too dangerous or complex for normal patrol resources.

• Responds to barricaded suspects, hostage situations, active threats, and armed standoffs.
• Supports high-risk warrants, building searches, suspect apprehensions, and major planned operations.
• Activates only when the threat justifies a tactical response—not for routine patrol calls.
• Works as one team under one tactical leader, regardless of members' regular departments.
• Uses clear briefings, assigned positions, controlled movement, and concise radio communication.
• Prioritizes reasonable force, scene safety, hostage protection, and opportunities for de-escalation.