CIS detectives investigate crimes against persons and property, including homicide, burglary, robbery, assault, sex crimes, missing persons, and fraud. CIS collaborates with the Manatee Homicide Investigative Unit, the FBI's Violent Crimes Task Force, the FBI's Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and the Secret Service's Electronic Crimes Task Force.

CRT officers focus on violent crime, gun-related crime, and narcotics. CRT deploys to areas where significant incident data shows a need for specialized enforcement, specifically areas experiencing high crime trends and violent crime.

The department’s crime analysts identify developing crime patterns to assist with strategic planning, prepare intelligence bulletins, share intelligence bulletins from surrounding law enforcement agencies, and compile weekly reports on criminal activity within the city. Additionally, analysts produce research, analysis, and intelligence for ongoing criminal investigations.

The Crime Scene Unit includes civilian investigators trained to handle a range of incidents, including major crime scenes. Their duties encompass photographing and documenting crime scenes, processing latent fingerprints, and collecting and preserving evidence.

Digital Forensics detectives work closely with other investigators and patrol officers to extract evidence from devices. These detectives receive advanced training and utilize specialized hardware and software to examine seized computers, mobile devices, and surveillance footage. Detectives, officers, and support staff also spearhead camera and drone surveillance during large-scale events and special investigations.

The Narcotics Unit conducts short- and long-term investigations into the use, sale, and trafficking of illegal narcotics. Narcotics detectives work in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force and the Homeland Security (HSI) Task Force. The Bradenton Police Department is the lead agency for the Gulf Coast High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. The unit partners with several agencies, which include the FBI, Coast Guard, ATF, Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF), FDLE, IRS, Customs and Border Protection, as well as surrounding law enforcement agencies.

The Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team is a group of elite officers trained to handle crises such as barricaded subjects and high-risk search warrants.

HNT officers are specially trained in negotiation tactics and crisis intervention, and may respond to a barricaded subject, hostage situation, suicide attempt, or other situations as necessary.

Elder Fraud detectives investigate cases involving victims over age 60 and educate senior citizens about scam prevention. The unit collaborates with state and federal partners to investigate criminal networks, make arrests, and attempt to recoup victims’ losses.

Resources are available here.

The Real Time Crime Investigative Center uses emerging technologies and analytics to support and conduct investigations. Assigned personnel review incoming data in real-time or as historical information and provide investigators with pertinent leads to help solve crimes. Turning raw data into actionable intelligence enhances the ability of the department to identify criminal behavior and solve crimes. This progressive policing strategy, integrating technology, enhances law enforcement’s ability to identify criminal suspects, assist in successful prosecutions, and reduce crime.