Special Response Team (SRT)

It is the policy of the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office Detention Division to resolve all high risk situations with minimal danger to staff, the general public and inmates.

A Special Response Team (S.R.T.) is organized and maintained to provide services in support of detention operations requiring the use of special weapons and tactics to resolve high risk situations.

The S.R.T. shall be a permanent, self-sufficient entity that trains together and responds as a disciplined, flexible team. Therefore, once a Deputy has obtained a position on the team, he/she is expected to remain on the S.R.T. for a minimum of two years. Time spent in reserve status is not counted toward the anticipated commitment.

Each S.R.T. member shall be selected on the basis of special skills that could enhance the team's capabilities. Each member should demonstrate characteristics of initiative, job interest and dedication in the field of Corrections.

Each S.R.T. member shall regularly qualify with the special weapons, employed by the team. A pass or fail qualification shall be given.

Each S.R.T. member shall be proficient in the knowledge of each position composing the S.R.T.

Each S.R.T. member shall be capable of responding to urgent emergency situations with the necessary equipment to immediately deploy for the resolution of the situation.

When the S.R.T. is not large enough to accomplish a given objective, the team's philosophy and training should lend itself capable of blending with teams from neighboring jurisdictions in order to effectively resolve the situation.

PROCEDURE:
Based on 24 hour need and the necessity of rapid deployment, team members may be required to respond to emergency situations during non-duty hours.
Each team member shall be subject to call on a 24-hour basis, either by phone, pager or radio.

SELECTION PROCESS/ QUALIFICATIONS /TRAINING:
All Applicants shall be a certified Detention Deputy with a minimum one-year of experience with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office (H.C.S.O.) Detention Division and receive (40) hours of specialized training before assigned to the team. The specialized training may be part of the Deputy’s first year training program. Deputies on the Detention Special Response Team receive (40) hours of training annually, with a minimum of (16) hours specifically related to S.R.T. assignment.

To be considered for team membership, candidates shall successfully complete the following selection process:

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATION:

• 2 minutes of push-ups, using Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) push-up requirements. A minimum score of 70 points.
• 2 minutes of sit-ups, using Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT) sit-up scoring requirements. A minimum score of 70 points.
• Leg press: 170% of body weight.
• Bench press: 100% of body weight.
• Stress course that will test he candidate's performance under pressure situations and self motivation. The SRT Commander and/or designee will evaluate this portion.
  • For the stress course, candidates must wear boots, BDU style pants and a long sleeved shirt. Candidates shall be outfitted with a protective mask.
• A physical agility course that integrates a 100-pound dummy carry for 50 yards (5-minute timer), a 100-yard sprint in under 25 seconds, a short distance run, stair climbing, strength and agility exercises

FIREARMS QUALIFICATION:
Successful completion of the F.D.L.E. mandatory 40 round firearm qualification course, with a score of 90% or better.

PSYCHOANALYTICAL EXAMINATION:
Must pass a psychoanalytical examination that consists of a battery of written tests, personal history questionnaire, and an interview by a licensed Psychologist.

Equal Opportunity Employer