About Us – Specialty Teams
While every officer is assigned to a primary division, many also serve on one or more specialty teams.
These teams provide advanced training and specialized expertise that prepare officers to respond to complex or high-risk incidents. Several teams operate as joint partnerships with neighboring agencies, strengthening regional cooperation and improving response capabilities throughout St. Johns County.
Special Response Team
The Special Response Team (SRT) is a highly trained joint unit made up of selected officers from the St. Augustine Police Department and the St. Augustine Beach Police Department.
SRT responds to high-risk incidents, including the service of arrest and search warrants, barricaded or armed suspects, and critical incidents requiring specialized tactical resources.
Team members complete ongoing advanced training to maintain the highest standards of readiness, discipline, and operational effectiveness.
As the team has evolved, its capabilities have expanded to include advanced breaching techniques, explosive entry tools, and unmanned aircraft systems (drones), allowing officers to safely and effectively resolve complex situations.
Emergency Response Team
The Emergency Response Team (ERT) is separate from the Special Response Team and operates as a joint unit with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office.
ERT specializes in large-scale operations, including search and rescue missions, crowd management, civil disturbances, and disaster response.
In addition to serving St. Augustine and St. Johns County, the team provides mutual aid throughout Florida during major emergencies and declared disasters, deploying trained personnel wherever they are needed.
Traffic Homicide Investigation Team
The Traffic Homicide Investigation Team specializes in investigating fatal and serious-injury traffic crashes.
Unlike routine traffic investigations, these cases require detailed forensic analysis. Investigators reconstruct collisions, examine roadway evidence, analyze vehicle damage and electronic data, and evaluate environmental conditions to determine how and why a crash occurred.
The work demands technical expertise, patience, and attention to detail. Working alongside the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office, team members ensure every fatal crash receives a thorough, professional investigation conducted with integrity and respect for those affected.
Honor Guard
The Honor Guard is a ceremonial unit that represents the highest traditions of service, sacrifice, and professionalism.
Through formal ceremonies, precise movements, and time-honored traditions, Honor Guard members pay tribute to fallen officers, participate in memorial services, and represent the department during significant events.
Their presence reflects the department’s enduring commitment to honor, respect, and the values of protecting and serving the community.
