Special Operations Division
Captain Timothy Kuzanek
Main Phone: (775) 785-6200, FAX: 785-6240
The mission of the Special Operations Division to respond to specific criminal incidents with specialized training and equipment to handle those situations efficiently and effectively. The members of this division are prepared to respond to requests from any other division of the Sheriff's Office or any outside agency in Northern Nevada to aid in resolving any incident or criminal case and help make our communities safer.
Joint Task Forces
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office partners with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies in several joint operation task forces. Supervision of the Sheriff’s Office deputies assigned to the joint operation task forces fall under the Special Operations Division.
Joint operation task forces have proven to be very effective; jurisdictional issues are removed and efficiency is increased through deployment of additional personnel and equipment resulting in the realization of a greater impact in the targeted areas.
Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) enforces controlled substances laws and regulations of the United States and brings to the criminal and civil justice system of the United States, or any other competent jurisdiction, those organizations and principal members of organizations, involved in the growing, manufacture, or distribution of controlled substances. The implementation of the task force concept is the definitive method of incorporating local law enforcement into this complex mission. The Task Force Officers (TFOs) are the key to providing the necessary intelligence/enforcement between local law enforcement elements and the Department of Justice in combating the drug threat.
Clandestine Lab Team
The Washoe County Clandestine Lab Team is committed to protecting life, property and human health by assuring that properties formerly used in illegal drug manufacturing are evaluated, decontaminated and disposed of or fit for re-use. The team consists of personnel from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, the DEA and Sparks Police Department. Anyone who suspects that a clandestine lab is being operated in their neighborhood should contact 911.
U. S. Marshal Nevada Fugitive Investigative Strike Team (F.I.S.T.)
The mission of the Nevada Fugitive Investigative Strike Team (FIST) is to promote public safety through the expeditious and judicious apprehension of fugitives by providing progressive leadership and coordination within the law enforcement community. To this end, Nevada FIST will employ innovative investigative techniques, provide high quality training programs, and promote the highest professional and ethical standards in law enforcement. Accomplishments will contribute to the vitality of our city and region.
Mission Goal: Our goal is to perform assigned duties and functions safely and expeditiously while maintaining our professionalism and reflecting a positive image of the U.S. Marshals Service and our community.
F. B. I. Joint Terrorism Task Force
Pursuant to Executive Orders, Presidential Directives, National Security Decisions and Homeland Security Directives, the FBI created the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). The JTTF is composed of federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies acting collectively, sharing information and resources to fight terrorism. Its mission is to prevent, disrupt and investigate acts, allegations and threats of international and domestic terrorism against the United States.
Domestic terrorism cases include terrorist activity against the United States and individuals or groups involved in illegal extremist activity.
High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force (H.I.D.T.A.)
The High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) program enhances and coordinates drug control efforts among local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies. The program provides agencies with coordination, equipment, technology, and additional resources to combat drug trafficking and its harmful consequences in critical regions of the United States. The HIDTA Program provides additional federal resources to those areas to help eliminate or reduce drug trafficking and its harmful consequences. Law enforcement organizations within HIDTA assess drug trafficking problems and design specific initiatives to reduce or eliminate the production, manufacture, transportation, distribution and chronic use of illegal drugs and money laundering.
Northern Nevada Cyber Center
With the increase in Cyber related crimes and possible future Cyber Attacks against the Citizens of Washoe County and the Northern Nevada region , the Washoe County Sheriff's Office constructed the Northern Nevada Cyber Center. This will allow for the collaboration between agencies combating cyber related crimes by joining forces and working together to better serve the public. These types of crimes are often highly technical and require extensive training and experience to investigate. The Cyber Center will also work together with the Fusion Center sharing intelligence acquired during these complex investigations.
Cyber related attacks upon government, business, and private citizens have been on the rise nationally with minimal ability to investigate and combat these attacks. With support and assistance from other governmental entities, business, and groups such as InfraGuard, the Cyber Center hopes to counter these attacks.
Law Enforcement agencies and Task Forces initially participating in the Cyber Center will be the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, Nevada Attorney General's Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Identity Theft Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Innocent Images Task Force, and the Internet Crimes against Children Task Force. The Cyber Center will also work to continue further regionalization with area law enforcement.
Through the use of investigations, computer forensics, and intelligence, we're able to serve the residents of Washoe County and the entire Northern Nevada region with diligence, experience, and professionalism.
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