The Special Operations Division is responsible for managing specialized operations and investigations within Johnston County. Deputy Sheriffs are assigned to each of the four teams that make up this unit and must receive extensive specialized training in the areas to which they are assigned.
This division is supported by a mobile incident command center that, when deployed, is supervised by the command staff. These teams also work closely with the Johnston County Emergency Services in providing assistance in natural disasters and other major incidents that may occur in Johnston County. The Special Operations teams are as follows: Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team, Crisis/Negotiation Team, Search and Rescue (SAR) Team, and Water Rescue Team.
Special Tactics And Response (STAR) Team
The STAR Team consists of selected deputy sheriffs, including a Team Commander, Assistant Commander, and numerous tactical operators and snipers.
These officers are highly trained and equipped for tactical and high-risk situations for the protection of our communities.
Crisis / Negotiation Team
These deputy sheriffs have been trained in negotiating critical incidents and are equipped to handle potential life-threatening situations through the use of the known verbal crisis management techniques.
Search and Rescue (SAR) Team
The SAR Team consists of deputy sheriffs supervised by a Team Commander, an Assistant Team Commander, and deputies that are “National Association Search and Rescue” (NASAR) Certified Search and Rescue Technical II members.
This team utilizes specialized equipment including an Sherp amphibious all-terrain vehicle, a John Deere 4 X 4 Gator, (2) all-terrain vehicles, (3) 4 X 4 sport utility vehicles, 1 Polaris side-by-side and (2) enclosed equipment trailers.
These deputies are highly trained to locate and rescue missing or lost persons within our county, as well as providing assistance to other law enforcement agencies.
Water Rescue Team
Our water rescue team consists of deputy sheriffs including a Team Commander, an Assistant Team Commander, and also (6) “Rescue 3 International” certified Swift Water Advance Technicians and certified boat operators. These deputies are trained to locate, rescue, and recover missing, stranded, or lost persons along the waterways of our county.
These deputies provide assistance in all types of water conditions and provide assistance to other law enforcement agencies across our state.