The Special Operations Division is comprised of six separate units. They are Training, Health and Wellness, Schools, Licensing, Fleet and Facilities, and SWAT (Special weapons and Tactics). The Division is staffed by one Captain, who is the overall commander of the Division, three Sergeants, a licensing technician, and seven officers assigned as School Resource Officers (SROs). 

Training

The Sergeant of Training coordinates and manages the training program for the entire Department.  They ensure compliance with all mandatory training required by the State, including applicable licensing requirements.  This Sergeant is also responsible for the acquisition of high-level outside training for our officers.  Between our premium in-service training and access to vast amounts of high caliber outside training and education, the Plymouth Police Department continues its proud tradition of providing the community with some of the best trained police officers in Minnesota.

Schools 

The Schools Unit currently has seven officers working in schools in each of the major school districts, Wayzata and Robbinsdale. They are supervised by one Sergeant.  These officers work closely with school administration and are primarily responsible for the safety and security of their schools. They act as a resource for students and staff, as well as investigating criminal activity that occurs on the school grounds.  These officers also give numerous classroom presentations as well as consult on various building and grounds security issues.  The Sergeant for this unit is also responsible for organizing the police presence for all city-sponsored events i.e. Music in Plymouth, Fire and Ice, Night to Unite, etc.

Plymouth Police conduct at least two rounds of compliance checks of all establishments within the city licensed to sell alcohol or tobacco products. Plymouth Police train and send out compliance teams of an underage checkers accompanied by a plain clothes police officer. The underage checker attempts to purchase alcohol or tobacco products and the officer monitors the transaction. Establishments that fail the checks are subject to administrative penalties that can involve fines and/or suspension of their license for a number of days up to revocation of their license; while the individual who made the sale is also subject to criminal prosecution.

Health and Wellness Program

The Health and Wellness program is overseen by three officers and a Sergeant and has grown over the last several years to meet the needs of our department. Our Wellness Committee Members have a wide range of training and experience.  The wellness program includes offerings in the form of a fitness program, a mentoring program, a newly established peer support program, a mandated annual psychological check-up for officers, access to Chaplain resources, access to financial well-being resources, therapeutic options for stress relief and peace of mind, and access to a nutrition program that works with officers to provide a personal and customizable meal plan for healthy eating.  The department also employs an emergency room physician who is also a part-time sworn officer.  This officer/physician also consults on the topics of sleep, nutrition, and fitness for our officers, and we are very fortunate to have this resource!  

Formed in 1980, the Plymouth SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team consists of 13 team members and   negotiators. The team is made up of Plymouth police officers working in various units. SWAT is called upon to assist with armed individuals, barricaded persons and in situations involving hostages. The team is also used when executing high-risk warrants.  In recent years, the team has added an emergency room physician. This physician is also a sworn officer employed by the department.