Dukes County Sheriff’s Special Operations Unit Receives Innovation of the Year Award
DUKES COUNTY - Dukes County Sheriff Robert Ogden is honored to accept the 2024 Innovation of the Year Award from the Massachusetts Sheriff’s Association, for the work of the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit. Each year, The Massachusetts Sheriffs' Association (MSA) proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements and unwavering commitment of law enforcement and corrections professionals at its inaugural Law Enforcement & Corrections Award Ceremony. The ceremony will be held in the Great Hall at the Massachusetts State House in Boston, MA on November 19, 2024, starting at 10:30 a.m.
The Dukes County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit is responsible for Inner Perimeter Security, investigating drug and gang-related activity, Tactical Operations, Emergency Management, and operating the Mobile Command Unit, a state-of-the-art communications post for emergency situations. Deputies collaborate with other Island Law Enforcement agencies on the Martha’s Vineyard Law Enforcement Council Tactical Response Team, responding to high-risk incidents such as hostage situations, active shooters, and civil disorder.
In 2024, the Special Operations Unit launched its Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit, Bureau of Criminal Investigations, and Mobile Transport Unit, enhancing public safety by supporting local agencies. The DCSO Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit has been deployed for large fires, search and rescue missions, and high-risk manhunt operations, significantly aiding ground responders. The Bureau of Criminal Investigations assists with criminal investigations, digital forensics, and federal liaison work, contributing to the resolution of sensitive cases such as kidnapping and child exploitation. The Mobile Transport Unit supports police by transporting detainees from the point of arrest, conducting investigations, and providing critical traffic assistance during high call volumes.
“These Special Operations programs have proven essential in enhancing community safety and ensuring more efficient law enforcement responses, ultimately fostering a safer environment for residents and visitors.”, says Sheriff Ogden. “These advancements and partnerships with our local policing community have paid dividends in public safety, filling gaps with island-wide services only a regional entity can perform, and clearly defining the Duke's County Sheriff's Office's importance and necessity outside the perceived historically correctional role. We are honored to accept MSA’s Innovation of the Year Award and are grateful for the opportunity to make our community a safer place.”
#