Specialized Units

After five years of service with the Burlington Police Department, officers are eligible to apply for a transfer to the Detective Service Bureau.  The Detective Service Bureau is responsible for investigating a wide variety of crimes and complex investigations ranging from financial crimes to homicide investigations.  The Detective Bureau also has a full time drug unit, which is dedicated to conducting targeted drug enforcement in Burlington.  The Detective Bureau assignments also include positions with the Chittenden Unit for Special Investigations, the DEA task force and Internet Crimes Against Children.

This specialized team of officers provide a unique opportunity to assist with both Uniformed Services and Detective Services. It is a one year long, plain clothes assignment that allows the officers to adjust their focus based on the current crime trends and needs of the department. Day to day operations vary and can consist of assisting Patrol with various property crimes/burglaries, assaults and robberies or can consist of assisting the Detective Bureau with in-depth drug investigations. The Street Crimes Unit also offers the opportunity for officers to remain proactive and monitor for street level drug crimes as well as crimes in progress. Currently, this is an overtime detail.

The Burlington Police Department is looking for Police Officers ready to move to Vermont’s largest and most rewarding municipal police department. With an excellent schedule, good pay and benefits, and a quality of life that is second to none, this opportunity represents a chance to honorably serve in one of America’s most important professions in a city and work environment that is great for all walks of life.

Motor Units have been part of the Burlington Police for decades and are essential to our department’s community engagement.  Members of this specialized unit participate in rigorous training preparing them for obstacles they’ll face while patrolling the streets of Burlington.  Our motor unit supplements patrol operations and participates in many different functions from parades, to traffic safety initiatives and have been directly involved in dignitary escorts to include, the President of the United States. Currently, we ride Harley Davidson, Electra Glides.

The Burlington Police Department Canine Unit consists of two Canines trained in Narcotics detection,  criminal and search and rescue tracking, evidence recovery, building searches, suspect apprehension and handler protection. Our Police Canines conduct numerous public demonstrations yearly and is recognized as one of the most highly decorated units in the state, consistently winning top Narcotic detection team of the year, overall Canine Team of the year, and numerous tracking and apprehension awards. Three of our previous canine teams are in the Vermont Police Canine Hall of Fame.