July 10, 2025 - On a very warm Friday morning, Chief of Police William J. Bratton arrived at the north parking lot of Dodger Stadium where he first glimpsed the impressive view of Metro Division officers standing at attention, well prepared for a formal inspection. Chief Bratton, joined by Deputy Chief Richard Roupoli, Commanding Officer of Special Operations Bureau, walked down the many aisles of police officers regarded as being the most highly trained within the Department and the country. Chief Bratton looked at each officer in the eye and greeted them by their rank and last name.
With the city skyline off to his side, Chief Bratton addressed the officers, thanking them for all the hard work they do to keep the City safe. He thanked them for keeping the bright luster on the world’s most recognizable and respected police badge. Chief Bratton said Metro Division’s hard work has resulted in a positive opinion and perception from the people they protect and serve. He referenced a LA Times editorial published the same day that highlighted the terrific job the LAPD did during the Michael Jackson public memorial service.
The personnel assigned to Metropolitan Division receive intensive training in numerous police functions. Considerable time is devoted to crowd management and advanced tactical weapons training. Specialized training is also provided for shotgun slug usage, less lethal devices, shoulder weapons, officer/citizen rescue, building searches, airborne deployment, crisis negotiation, crowd management, dignitary protection and immediate action and rapid response to active shooter scenarios and response to barricaded subjects. Metropolitan Division also spends hundreds of hours a year providing advanced training to other members of the Department.
Being at the forefront during emergencies and natural disasters, Metropolitan Division has developed contingency plans and simulation training. The Division is also trained to respond to potential counterinsurgency or terrorist situations.
There are five field platoons (B, C, D, E, and K-9 Platoons) an operations platoon (A Platoon) and another, (H) Platoon responsible for certain dignitaries and all of Metro’s weapons and equipment inventory; all platoons are supervised by a Lieutenant II. The Operations Platoon performs the administrative and support functions. “B” and “C” Platoons are primarily responsible for crime suppression. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), “D” Platoon personnel, respond to emergency situations involving barricaded suspects or hostages. “K-9” Platoon and “E” (Mounted Unit) Platoon makes up the remainder of the Division. The Division also maintains a doctor, crisis negotiators and other specialists in weaponry, computer science, and audio-visual technology.
A Platoon personnel provides the support function for the Division. In addition to the administrative duties, they coordinate Metro’s many tactical firearms training programs, ensure compliance with state-mandated (POST) training. Additionally, the Crime Analysis and Deployment Detail utilizes automated repressible crime information Citywide to determine Metro deployment in identified “hot spots.”
“B” and “C” Platoons are primarily responsible for carrying out the crime suppression missions. Their most active function is maintaining selective enforcement details in high frequency crime areas and targeting repeat offenders and criminal predators. Particular efforts are directed to the suppression of violent crime.
“D” Platoon (SWAT), in addition to its crime suppression assignments, has the duty of handling situations where SWAT is essential. SWAT provides the Department with 24-hour coverage necessary for immediate response to barricaded suspects, snipers, crisis and hostage negotiations, potential suicide related situations, and other high-risk incidents. Rapid deployment, surprise, extensive tactics training and thorough planning are the seals of successful SWAT operations.
“E” Platoon (Mounted Unit) began as a volunteer program and was formally integrated into the Department in 1988. The Platoon currently has 32 horses and is located in a state-of-the-art Ahmanson Equestrian Facility. Officers and their horses deploy on City streets or during special events and add to the Department’s professional image. Beyond that, the Mounted Platoon performs crime suppression duties and responds to crowd control incidents
“H” Platoon is responsible for the security teams that protect the Mayor, Chief of Police and City Attorney. In addition, this platoon maintains all of Metro’s equipment. This includes millions of dollars worth of specialized vehicles, weapons, ammunition and other specialized tools of Metro’s trade.
“K-9” Platoon deploys highly trained handlers and their canine partners to conduct searches and apprehend felony suspects. The dogs are agile, well disciplined, and often sacrifice their lives for officer safety. K-9 personnel are deployed around-the-clock, seven days a week. They are available to assist any Department entity with searches for felony suspects. Two K-9 officers have also been trained in search and rescue operations using dogs.
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