The Special Operations Section is commanded by a captain who is subordinate to the major of the Special Operations Division.

Tactical Response Unit
The Tactical Response Unit is a team of highly trained officers tasked with the safe remedy of hostage situations, barricaded suspects and sniper incidents. It also provides dignitary protection and the processing of high-risk arrest and search warrants. Each officer assigned to this unit is required to pass a rigorous physical fitness test and demonstrate firearm proficiency under stressful conditions. The Tactical Response Team is supported by three specialized details:

The Explosive Ordnance Disposal Detail, the Underwater Search and Rescue Detail and the Hostage Negotiation Detail.

Mounted Patrol Detail
The mounted patrol is a specially trained team of officers providing patrol on horseback. This detail works the public parks within the central business district, the convention center area, the Mobile Civic Center and other areas as assigned. It is charged with:

• Controlling vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
• Enforcing parking, pedestrian, and other related ordinances expediting the movement of traffic.
• Crowd control at major events, such as Mardi Gras.

The detail also assists departments in other cities and states with their special events. In addition, during the Mardi Gras season, The Mobile Police Department Mounted Unit hosts a training school for mounted units from other cities. These other units come to train their horses during the day and work the parades at night.

Hostage negotiators, trained in crisis management and conflict resolution, work under extremely stressful conditions. Other than situations involving hostages, The Hostage Negotiation Detail is employed when an armed person becomes suicidal during a confrontation.

Officers of The Explosive Ordinance Disposal Detail are specially trained to respond to threats of terrorist groups and the munitions they use. They must learn to detect, disarm and dispose of various types of explosives, incendiaries, and ordnance. The detail utilizes a canine and handler trained in the detection of explosives.

The Underwater Search/Rescue Detail is utilized to search those areas covered by water for articles, evidence and drowning victims. Officers in this detail are certified divers.

Central Events Detail is assigned to the First Precinct and tasked with patrolling the Downtown Business and Entertainment District.

The Traffic Enforcement Detail is responsible for controlling the flow of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and for the enforcement of traffic laws.

The Traffic Accident Investigators (TAI) are specially trained and certified in traffic accident investigations. TAIs are responsible for investigating all traffic fatalities, accidents with injuries involving city vehicles and for follow-up investigations of all hit-and-run accidents.

The Wrecker/Vehicle Inspection Detail is responsible for coordinating and scheduling the inspection of wreckers that are licensed to do business within the City of Mobile and its jurisdiction and to inspect private vehicles that have been issued citations for motor vehicle equipment violations.

The Hazardous Materials Detail is charged with enforcing laws governing the safe transportation of hazardous substances through the city limits of Mobile. Their duties include inspecting hazardous material carriers to ensure their compliance with applicable laws; monitoring highways and tunnels for violations; and investigating all incidents involving spills, leaks, etc.

The School Traffic Officers are responsible for the safety and welfare of children at school crossings within their assigned areas. They work with school authorities in teaching children the rules of safety and strive for their cooperation and support in safety programs.

The Community Police Resource Officers are civilian employees who direct traffic at special functions such as ballgames