What happens when things get so bad that the police need the police - they call the SRT or Special Response Team.
Hostage situations, wanted fugitives, barricaded suspects, serving high-risk arrest warrants and more are beyond the expertise of a regular police officer on patrol, nor does the typical police officer carry the highly specialized equipment needed to respond to these types of situations.
In these incidents highly trained and specially equipped law enforcement officers step up to respond - they are members of the Special Response Team or SRT as they are known.
On Tuesday I spent 4 hours with members of the Aberdeen Police Department's Special Response Team as they conducted a day of training.
Their day started with physical fitness training that would have left most of us gasping for air. This included running 400 yards in full uniform along with several other strenuous fitness tests.
The second part of the day was spent running drills and scenarios at the former school located on US Highway 1.
I had a unique perspective this afternoon as I role-played the "bad guy" in two different scenarios, including one situation where I was a mentally unstable person hiding in a room, and a second scenario that involved hostages.
Although much of the equipment that they carry and the tactics that they use are confidential and cannot be talked about publicly, the team here is armed and trained to respond to virtually any situation.
All members of the SRT team have completed the Basic SWAT Operator training program through the NC Justice Academy, with some members who have also completed the Advanced SWAT Operator training program.
The Aberdeen Police Department SRT unit trains together each month to always be prepared to respond.
The Southern Pines Police Department as well as the Moore County Sheriff’s Office also have active Special Response Teams. These three teams often train and respond together if a situation requires additional assets.
From patrol officers, detectives, probation officers, SRT members, and many others - Moore County is blessed to have a level of highly trained dedicated public servants who are all committed to the point that they come to work every day and are willing to put their own lives on the line to save yours or mine.
What amazing people to have in our community. Next time you see a law enforcement officer please thank them for their service.
05/28/24
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