Special Enforcement
About Special Enforcement
Arson and Explosive related incidents are considered two of the most dangerous criminal activities that threaten our citizens. The need exists to protect the citizens of our jurisdiction from loss of life and property by reducing the crime of arson, arson-related crimes, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the prevention of future violent crimes. The Special Enforcement Division addresses this need by establishing a sound foundation of effective enforcement, focusing on the apprehension of the offender, while in partnership with other Local, State and Federal law enforcement agencies. The team utilizes highly trained and certified canines (K-9s) that assist with accelerant and explosives detection. Special Enforcement houses an FBI accredited Bomb Squad and is a member of the Joint Terrorism Task Force (JTTF). Special Enforcement provides support to our law enforcement partners in tactical and other law enforcement operations and provides Bomb Squad coverage to neighboring jurisdictions and counties.
Special Enforcement:
- Conducts origin and cause investigations for fire related calls for service
- If the cause is criminal, we investigate and apprehend offenders.
- Performs render safe procedures for IED, bombs and explosive related calls
- Investigation of crimes associated with explosives, IED, HME, incendiary devices, etc.
- Support law enforcement agencies served by the UFA for explosive related emergencies tactical operations and tactical medical support
- K9 support across the Wasatch Front for both accelerant and explosive detection
- Permits for commercial blasting
- Disposal of found explosives, fireworks and ammunition
- Apprehension and arrest of offenders
- Utilize one Explosive Detecting K-9, one ATF certified Accelerant Detecting K-9
- Manages the SWAT Paramedic Program
- Conducts Professional Standards investigations as needed or assigned and conducts background investigations for new-hire personnel
Division Leader
Special Enforcement Division Chief
Steve Ball
Organizational Structure
FY22/23 Accomplishments
Performed:
- 245 total fire investigations
- 62 explosive related responses
- 41 Ignitable liquid detection canine deployment
- 20 Explosive detection canine deployments
- 22 UFA arson cases
- 19 Arrests (18 cases cleared with arrests)
- 51 Full-time/lateral firefighter background investigations
- 49 part-time/civilian background checks
- DC Ball facilitated $3.4 million in state appropriations for equipment
- UFA received two bomb suit, respiratory protection, new bomb robot, new x-ray generator
- Arson canine Lari retires; obtain new Arson canine Georgia
- Hosted two advanced courses from HDS (bomb school)
- WMD capabilities increased to cover chem-bio and full scale FTX with HDS in SLC
- Participated in:
- 51 UPD SWAT Paramedic deployments
- 4 Herriman/Riverton SWAT Paramedic deployments
FY23/24 Action Items
- In connection with the Professional Development plan, and throughout the budget year, continue apprentice program and formalize succession planning
- Provide continued support for all public safety agencies served by UFA
- Expand SWAT Paramedic Program to support all UFA LE partners
- Integrate Tactical Bomb Tech program to SWAT Teams served by UFA
- Enhance response capability to WMD and Tactical Bomb incidents
