The LAPD Metropolitan Division (or “Metro”) is a specialized, elite tactical and support unit known for its expertise in high-stakes operations such as crowd control, dignitary protection, counterterrorism, and other critical incidents. Officers in Metro are extensively trained to handle the city’s most intense and high-profile situations, reflecting their division’s motto: “To Support and Defend.” Joining Metro is highly competitive, as it is often called upon to respond to the most challenging and complex scenarios across Los Angeles.

The LAPD Dive Unit is a specialized division within the Los Angeles Police Department’s Underwater Unit, operating under the Emergency Services Division. This elite team is responsible for underwater search, rescue, and recovery operations across the city’s waterways, lakes, harbors, and coastal areas. Their duties include locating and recovering evidence, vehicles, and missing persons from bodies of water, using advanced scuba and surface-supplied diving techniques. The Dive Unit plays a crucial role in supporting law enforcement investigations and ensuring public safety in challenging aquatic environments.

The LAPD Air Support Division, nicknamed the "Eyes in the Sky," provides aerial support for law enforcement operations throughout Los Angeles. The division is responsible for surveillance, tracking suspects, crowd control, search and rescue missions, and assisting in high-risk situations. Using a fleet of helicopters, Air Support officers work closely with ground units to provide real-time intelligence, enhance situational awareness, and ensure public safety. This unit plays a critical role in responding to emergencies, pursuits, and complex operations, offering a strategic advantage from above.

The LAPD K-9 Unit, part of the Metropolitan Division and the department's Special Operations Group, utilizes highly trained dogs to support a variety of law enforcement duties. This specialized unit plays a critical role in patrol operations, narcotics detection, and tactical support, enhancing officer safety and public security. Alongside the Mounted and SWAT units, the K-9 team is an integral part of the LAPD’s efforts to respond quickly and effectively to high-risk situations and ensure a safer Los Angeles.

The LAPD SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) team is a highly specialized unit known for handling the most dangerous situations, including hostage rescues, high-risk arrests, counter-terrorism operations, and active shooter incidents. With advanced training in tactics like tactical entry, negotiation, and sniper operations, SWAT is one of the best police tactical units in the world, playing a vital role in public safety and law enforcement in Los Angeles.