The rebranding came amidst the resignations of three officers and a sergeant after it was discovered they had violated LPD policy. The men denied wrongdoing.
The Lakeland Police Department has renamed its Street Crimes Unit, to the Special Investigations Section Tactical Unit and continues to be made up of eight officers and one sergeant.
Through a spokesperson, Chief Sam Taylor said the name change has been a topic of discussion since he took office.
“This unit’s mission, as always, is extremely flexible and has many functions to include building entries for search warrants, surveillance, intelligence, gang initiatives, short-term drug investigations, and any unique problem-solving initiatives (like) burglary, robbery, stakeouts, etc.,” LPD spokeswoman Stephanie Kerr wrote in an email.
The Street Crimes Unit faced major scrutiny following the videotaped arrest of Antwan Glover in December 2022.