The team mainly target those coming into the city to commit crime including shoplifters, drug dealers, knife carriers and those causing anti-social behaviour.
Already they have made more than 130 arrests this year – mainly working out of plain sight so the public can’t always see them.
Dressed in casual wear – jeans, shorts, hoodies, and trainers – their rucksacks contain handcuffs, and their headphones are hooked up to the police radio.
Working in disguise ensures they can observe criminals up close without them ever realising they are there.
They are also supported by uniformed officers who drive around the city in a marked van, also looking for those likely to offend.
