The Special Operations division of the Bristol Virginia Police Department consists of the Narcotics Unit, Criminal Intelligence Unit, Tactical Response Team and two K-9 Units.

All personnel attached to these units work closely together in investigating criminal drug offenses and curtailing related drug activities within the City of Bristol. These units also assist the areas federal agencies with drug related matters.

Narcotics Unit

The Narcotics officers attend yearly training in order to stay abreast of current trends and strategies in combating drug trafficking. The personnel of this unit work closely with all of Special Operations.

To report drug activity, call 276 466-TIPS or email bvpdnarcotics@yahoo.com

Criminal Intelligence Unit
The Criminal Intelligence Unit assists in tracking and organizing drug/narcotic information for all personnel involved in Special Operations. This office also serves as a departmental resource, as well as offering the same assistance to outside law enforcement agencies throughout the area, both local and federal. All Gang related information is coordinated by this unit. Anyone wishing to contact this unit with drug or gang related information may contact 276 645-3723. All information received as well as intelligence requests are kept in a confidential manner.

Tactical Response Team
There are times when critical situations arise that may require the deployment of a specialized unit in order to handle the situation in the most safe and effective manner, while allowing normal shift operations to continue uninterrupted.. These special situations include barricaded suspects, raids, hostage situations and search warrant services where the potential for danger may escalate, The Tactical Response Team consists of 12 highly-trained members. They conduct extensive monthly training sessions every month

K-9 Unit

The K-9 Unit consists of 2 specially trained officers and 2 very expert dogs. The officers and their canines are used frequently by other members of Special Operations as well as Patrol and CID divisions and greatly enhance the maximum utilization of department resources.

Officer Willie Simpson handles "Bosco," a five year old German Shepherd and Officer Paul Davis handles "Frankie," a six year old Labrador Retriever. Bosco is dually trained in patrol and narcotics detection, meeting the criteria of the National Work Dog Association. As patrol dogs, the canines are adept at tracking, building searches, article searches and highly skilled in handler protection and aggression. Two additionall canine teams will be put into service in 2005; a new patrol dog and an explosives dectector dog.