The Tampa Police Department maintains several specialized operational teams for specific, hazardous tasks that require skills not ordinarily held by most police officers. These skills include knowledge of explosives, chemical agents, underwater search and recovery, rappelling, and various other tactical maneuvers.

Each team specializes in a particular area of operation. Members of the teams are not primarily assigned to that function but hold other positions throughout the department such as street officers and detectives. They are on call for events leading to the need of their special skills and training.