About Our Specialized Units
Teams That Augment Our Operational Divisions
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office maintains a number of specialized teams that augment our operational divisions with unique skill sets, training, and equipment. Each unit is staffed by trained Deputies, Correctional Officers, or sworn volunteers who respond to specific public safety needs — from water rescue and ceremonial duties to high-risk tactical operations and inter-agency drug enforcement.
Tactical and emergency teams (ICSURT, S.E.R.T.) are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Other units, such as the Honor Guard, perform their duties at scheduled events and ceremonies throughout the year.
Underwater Recovery Team (ICSURT)
The Imperial County Sheriff’s Underwater Recovery Team (ICSURT) is a specialized, on-call scuba dive team consisting of certified Sheriff’s deputies and correctional officers.
The team responds to canals, rivers, and lakes throughout Imperial County to search for and recover vehicles, human remains, and evidence. ICSURT works closely with partner agencies including the Imperial Irrigation District Dive Team and U.S. Border Patrol BORSTAR divers.
ICSURT is available to conduct recovery operations and support public safety in local waterways 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
ICSURT at a Glance
- 24/7 — On-call response to water-related emergencies
- 6 — Certified open-water divers
- 3 — Dive tenders supporting operations
Honor Guard
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Honor Guard Photo Coming Soon
The Honor Guard represents the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office with professionalism, respect, and tradition.
This highly trained unit performs ceremonial duties at events throughout Imperial County, including memorial services, funerals, parades, and the presentation of colors. The Honor Guard is dedicated to honoring fallen officers and supporting the community during both solemn and celebratory occasions.
Honor Guard members complete a two-week Honor Guard Academy and continue with monthly training to maintain the precision and protocol the unit is known for.
Duties of an Honor Guard Member
- Drill and Ceremony
- Color Guard
- Rifle Volleys (21 Gun Salute)
- Pall Bearers / Casket Carry
- Honor Watch
- Flag Folding
Where You’ll See the Honor Guard
- State and Local Police Memorial Services
- Sheriff’s Office Annual Inspection
- Government Grand Opening Ceremonies
- Community events and parades
HIDTA Task Force
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HIDTA Photo Coming Soon
Content coming soon — pending updates from the unit.
Imperial County is designated a High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area by the federal government. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office has deputies attached to task forces that work alongside the Federal Drug Enforcement Administration and other partner agencies to target both high-level and street-level narcotics, firearms, and asset trafficking in our region.
Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.)
Content coming soon — pending updates from the unit.
The Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team — known to the public as S.W.A.T. — is a specialized tactical unit that handles high-risk situations including the service of high-risk search and arrest warrants, barricaded suspects, hostage situations, and active shooter incidents. S.E.R.T. members complete monthly training and maintain a high level of tactical firearm proficiency and physical fitness. Members are on call 24/7.
Related Specialized Teams
The Sheriff’s Office also operates two specialized enforcement teams that have their own dedicated pages:
- OHVEST — Off Highway Vehicle Enforcement Safety Team. Learn more about OHVEST →
- BEST — Boating Enforcement Safety Team. Providing safety, security, and education on Imperial County’s public lands and waterways. Learn more about BEST →
Working With Our Specialized Teams
Many of our specialized units coordinate with allied agencies on multi-jurisdictional incidents. If you are a partner agency seeking to coordinate with one of our specialized teams, or if you have an event that may require ceremonial support, please contact the Sheriff’s Office Administration line at (442) 265-2008.
For water-related emergencies in Imperial County, always dial 911 first.