Over the years the unit grew and expanded its duties and responsibilities. In 1972, it was known as the Tactical Operation Division. In 1986, the division was created and renamed to SSD.
The Specialized Services Division (SSD) performs a number of diverse functions that require unique skills.
The SWAT Team
The SWAT teams train extensively all year to maintain a high level of proficiency. When they are not training, they perform other assignments, such as assisting patrol with barricaded suspect apprehension, hostage rescue incidents, the service of high-risk search warrants, high-risk fugitive apprehension, service of protective orders involving firearms, Coast Guard ship-boarding exercises and interagency response to any tactical incident on the island of Oahu. The SSD also assists various outside agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), Homeland Security investigation (HSI), and the United States Postal Service (USPS) with service of high-risk search and arrest warrants involving armed suspects. They also work with various Federal Agencies to provide protection for national and international dignitaries visiting the island of Oahu.
The Bomb Squad
The Bomb Squad personnel respond to calls for service, which include military ordnance, improvised explosive devices, commercial explosives, and hoax devices and large amounts of illegal fireworks. All HPD Bomb Technicians are trained and certified by the FBI Hazardous Device School and attend year round advanced hazardous device mitigation training. The Bomb Squad is equipped with the latest technologies in robotics, explosives, X-ray, and render-safe equipment used to mitigate hazardous devices. The squad also provides training to other government agencies regarding explosives and improvised explosives recognition and emergency evacuation procedures to the community.
The Canine Unit
Officers in the Canine Unit are called upon to search for prison escapees, missing persons, and felony suspects. They are also used in explosives detection. Each dog has a badge designation and is considered an officer assigned to the Honolulu Police Department’s (HPD) SSD.
The Helicopter Section
The primary functions of the Helicopter Section are to provide aerial observation and support to units of the HPD and related agencies. The section also provides special support to other operations, such as traffic monitoring, recovery of stolen vehicles, and the eradication of marijuana and other illegal drugs.