Special Programs

Emergency Response

FWC officers are highly trained and possess specialized equipment that allows access to challenging environments. FWC officers are comfortable where no other law enforcement agencies routinely patrol. This unique capability enables FWC officers to serve as a primary response effort to natural and man-made disasters. FWC officers are typically the first responding law enforcement personnel to arrive on-scene following a critical incident that requires emergency response.

K-9

The FWC K-9 Program consists of specially trained K-9s that complement the FWC mission. FWC K-9s are highly skilled and receive advanced training in evidence recovery, article searches, human tracking, and resource detection.  

Special Operations Group

The Special Operations Group enhances the FWC’s response capabilities during critical incidents and special assignments. SOG Teams use advanced training, equipment, and tactics to provide a rapid response in any environment. FWC SOG Teams directly support operations in accordance with FWC strategic initiatives and stand ready anytime a specialized law enforcement response is required.

Offshore Patrol Vessels

One of the FWC’s primary responsibilities is to enforce state and federal fishery regulations. The FWC accomplishes this through its Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) Program. The OPV Program consists of 13 vessels that range in size and are strategically stationed around the state. OPV crew members are specially selected and highly trained to provide comprehensive offshore patrols. OPV assets are proficient in search and rescue operations, resource protection, Joint Enforcement Agreement (JEA) patrols, commercial fishing enforcement, Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) coverage, turtle excluder device (TED) inspections, and provide support services to local, state and federal partners.

Dive Team

The dive teams are designed around the FWCs unique law enforcement responsibilities, specialized equipment, and specially trained personnel. FWC Dive Teams have the capability of providing an underwater presence and special response in Florida’s underwater environment. 

The dive team is prepared to respond to boating accidents, derelict vessels, evidence recovery, body recovery, homeland security threats and other mission needs in an underwater capacity.

Aviation

The Aviation Unit’s mission is to protect Florida’s natural resources and human life through proactive and responsive law enforcement services. The FWC aircraft patrol supports law enforcement officers in the field and the citizens of Florida who enjoy the state’s natural resources. Aircraft respond to search and rescue requests for overdue or lost outdoor users on land or water, assist other agencies during natural disasters, promote boating safety and provide law enforcement Homeland Security support.  Aircraft and pilots of the Aviation Unit act as “Force Multipliers.” The use of aircraft extends the reach of law enforcement into densely and sparsely populated areas and covers large expanses of land or water in a short period of time. Pilots can serve as the “Eye in the Sky,” allowing them to observe and report information to area officers on the ground or water, saving time and equipment operation expense and increasing contacts and arrests.