The Criminal Apprehension Unit consists of one sergeant and nine detectives who work directly for the Tactical Support lieutenant.  The focus of the unit is targeting career criminals involved in criminal activity who represent a threat to society and seeking enhanced prosecution through the courts.  The unit works closely with the Detective Division, as well as the Department of Corrections and Probation and Parole.

Members of the unit are trained and equipped to provide covert surveillance, work investigations that are unique (serial type crimes, organized crime, offenses that require undercover work, long term investigations) and provide arrest services of suspects that are known to be violent or have a tendency to flee.  Additionally, all members of the unit are trained to provide Dignitary Protection Services.

The sergeant of the Criminal Apprehension Unit is a S.W.A.T. team leader.  The nine detectives in the unit are all members of the S.W.A.T. Team.  All members of the Criminal Apprehension Unit are subject to S.W.A.T. call-outs 24 hours a day.  The unit also serves high-risk search and arrest warrants for other units within the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office and outside agencies (ATF., FBI, U. S. Marshalls Office). Members of the unit also worked on the planning and coordination of tactical operations during the Super Bowl and played a major role in the success of the event.

The Criminal Apprehension Unit not only assists other units within the Sheriff's Office, but also assists outside agencies with stakeouts, surveillance and undercover work.  The unit also works any special investigations as directed by the chief of the division.

The Criminal Apprehension Unit is also tasked with the responsibility of monitoring sexual predators.  Sexual predators are tracked and contacted on a monthly basis.