Special Operations

The mission of the Special Operations Unit is to provide specialized police services on a city - wide basis, some of which is in the form of assistance to officers in the various sectors with their duties. Much of our work in operations is geared to be an adjunct to officer in the sectors to assist in performance of their duties. Our goal is to provide increased staffing as needed to address crime and issues given the circumstances, be it an emergency or special event such as the Water Festival, the Lowell Folk Festival, and Winter Fest. We are committed to working with the community to identify and solve problems in a proactive manner.

The Special Operations Unit is currently comprised of the following personnel:
  • 2 officers staff the Mobile Operations Unit and River One, the police boat
  • 3 canine officers
  • Several officers are trained for service in the motorcycle unit

Special Operations Equipment

Mobile Operations Unit

The LPD Mobile Operations Unit is a 38' command center used for the purpose of command and control, and crime scene management. Types of incidents the van is used for include crime scenes, missing persons, mobile precinct operations, and as a base for police operations at large events. The van is equipped with state of the art communications equipment including telephones, a fax, microwave transmitting equipment, and regional fire and police radio networks. The van is also used for educational programs at city schools.

LPD Riverboat

The police boat is a 21 feet Boston Whaler patrol boat. The boat, known as "River One," is crewed by members of the Response Unit, and is in use from May through September. It is Lowell's contribution to the Regional River Patrol, in partnership with the towns of Chelmsford and Tyngsboro. Officers assigned to the unit are charged with the enforcement of laws and regulations on and along the Merrimack River from Lowell to the New Hampshire border. Officers conduct boating inspections and safety checks of watercraft on the river, and render assistance to boaters as needed. Officers assigned to the boat have participated in numerous water rescues and issued dozens of citations on the river.