Special Operations Unit (SOU)
The SOU will provide statewide enforcement for combating intrastate drug trafficking and violent career criminals and gangs. In addition to sources developed by the task forces, the SOU will develop sources of information that identify the structures and members of these intrastate organizations. SOU will evaluate and validate this information by examining financial records and conducting field surveillances to identify methods of operation as well as supply and distribution networks. Personnel will conduct undercover operations oftentimes utilizing specialized surveillance to gather evidence leading to the arrest and prosecution of the principals involved. Emphasis is placed on target selection to ensure the elimination of the organization rather than just the random arrest of easily replaced members.
The SOU will also provide appropriate support to the task forces and local agencies when major drug problems, inter-jurisdictional traffickers, violent career criminals, and gangs exceed the capabilities of local agencies.