Special Operations

CRU is an acronym for Crime Reduction Unit that is comprised of three officers. It includes a Sergeant and a K9 Unit. The officers on the unit have all received, and continue to receive, specialized training in the areas of surface street and highway level criminal interdiction. The unit utilizes data driven policing and focuses on areas where criminal activity is prevalent.

Staff

Capt. Ashley Sanders
Crime Reduction Unit
678-293-1677
edwardsm@douglasvillega.gov

The Douglasville Police Department maintains a K9 unit for narcotics detection, suspect-tracking, and patrol duties. The handlers take their assigned K9's home and care for the dogs throughout their work shift, at home, and during their days off. These K9's become a part of the officer's family and often "retire out" with their handler once a K9 is too old to continue with the rigorous training and deployments these dogs are subjected to.

Three of the Douglasville P.D. K-9's are currently assigned to the Patrol Division and one to the F.I.N.D. Unit.

Handlers and their K9's train continuously with other agencies and maintain annual nationally recognized certifications for the above named specialties.

Staff

Capt. Adam Cannon
Patrol
678-293-1711
cannona@douglasvillega.gov

The Special Operations Division investigates narcotics, and vice violations and functions in an undercover capacity, using the latest in high-tech surveillance equipment. Special Operations also staffs a position on a counter-drug DEA task force for the Metro Atlanta area region.

In 2007 Chief Gary Sparks created a pro-active program, called "Youth Against Violence". This program focuses on providing at risk youth with proper positive guidance and role models, as an alternative to joining gangs. "Youth Against Violence" has been such a huge success that parents sign their children up at an early age. In addition, juvenile offenders are often sentenced to attend the program through the local courts system and Douglas County School System.

Staff

Lt. Ken Winklepleck
Special Operations
678-293-1749
winkk@douglasvillega.gov

The Douglasville Police Department has a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team, which consists of: assault/entry teams, sniper/observer teams, hostage negotiators and a command module.

All assigned officers for our S.W.A.T. unit are required to successfully complete a firearms, as well as a physical conditioning test, and are required to maintain these standards over time. The team members are required to attend highly specialized tactical special response team training schools.

Staff

Lt. Brad Loudermilk
Motorcycle/Traffic
678-293-1663
louderb@douglasvillega.gov