CounterterrorismLAPD named best counterterrorism squad

Published 29 November 2011

The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau (CTSOB) recently received Government Security News’ highest honor for a division of its kind

 

The Los Angeles Police Department’s (LAPD) Counter-Terrorism and Special Operations Bureau (CTSOB) recently receivedGovernment Security News’ highest honor for a division of its kind.

CTSOB was named the “Most Notable Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism or Crime Prevention Program,” beating out five other teams from federal, state and local government agencies. In addition, CTSOB was also among the finalists for the publication’s “Most Notable Cyber Security Program or Technology — Government or Military” award.

The LAPD’s counterterror squad contains more than 800 officers, more than double the amount of officers assigned to any police station in the city. The squad’s officers are divided among five operational divisions which include Major Crimes, Emergency Services, Metropolitan, Air Support, and Emergency Operations.

The division is led by Deputy Chief Michael Downing who has also has advised DHS on how to develop a national strategy to combat violent extremism. 

In recent years, Downing has worked hard to improve CTSOB’s relationship with Los Angeles’ Muslim community. Officers now meet regularly with leaders and members of the Muslim community in addition to monitoring extremist chat rooms, studying tactics and weaponry of the Taliban, and travelling to Muslim countries to gather intelligence.

CTSOB also works with DHS providing valuable information to fusion centers to improve situational awareness.