Special Operations Branch

The role of law enforcement in all cases, including riotous activity, insurrection, barricaded subjects, execution of high risk narcotics warrants, arrest of dangerous felons and the rescue of hostages or endangered persons, is the protection of lives and property.

The Belmont County Special Operations Branch (S.O.B.) is a team of specially trained deputies from the Belmont County Sheriff’s Office and officers from several local subdivisions including; St. Clairsville, Bellaire, and Bridgeport. The S.O.B. team will respond to any incident where special weapons and tactics are needed within Belmont County.

The S.O.B. team consists of highly trained personnel with specific skills in the areas of marksmanship, tactical response and containment, deployment of chemical and less than lethal munitions and hostage negotiations. The S.O.B. team is under direct supervision of Team Commander Lieutenant Glenn Moore and Asst. Team Commander Sergeant Kyle Benedict with governing authority derived through the Sheriff of Belmont County, Sheriff David Lucas.

The purpose and intent of Belmont County Special Operations Branch is to serve as a specialized, flexible and mobile unit, activated to assist member departments in the containment, deescalation and ultimate control of all situations beyond the capabilities of today’s police officer.