26-004 - Sheriff's Response Team (SRT) Deployment Criteria

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Field Operations Directive is to establish policy and procedures regarding the deployment criteria for the Sheriff's Response Team (SRT). The SRT provides specialized personnel and equipment to support pre-planned events and spontaneous incidents that require a coordinated response to maintain or restore public order.

ORGANIZATION

The SRT is assigned to the Emergency Operations Bureau (EOB). The SRT Sergeant and SRT Deputy are responsible for the administration of the team under the direction of the EOB Unit Commander.

The minimum deployable element that may be requested shall consist of two squads, accompanied by the necessary support staff, unless otherwise authorized by the EOB Unit Commander or their designee, based on operational needs.

MISSION

The SRT shall maintain the capability to perform the following missions as authorized by the Department:

• Maintain crowd and riot control.

• Conduct Mass arrest and field booking support.

• Conduct disentanglement operations.

• Conduct passive or resistive protester arrests.

• Provide security for fixed critical facilities and infrastructure.

• Provide force protection during chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive (CBRNE) incidents.

• Augment jail emergency response teams during significant jail riots or disturbances.

• Conduct port security missions.

• Other missions as directed by the SRT or EOB Unit Commander(s), or their designee(s).

DEPLOYMENT REQUESTS

Any sworn Department member may request the deployment of the SRT. Requests for deployment shall be routed through the EOB Unit Commander, the Special Operations Division (SOD) Chief, and forwarded to the Assistant Sheriff, Countywide Operations, for authorization.

Spontaneous Incidents

Requests shall be made through the Department's 24-Hour Operations Center, which shall notify the EOB Duty Sergeant.

Pre-planned Events

Requests shall be submitted to the EOB SRT Sergeant. Requesting units shall notify their Unit Commander and Division Commander following submission of the deployment request.

DEPLOYMENT CONSIDERATION FACTORS

When evaluating requests for SRT deployment, command personnel should consider the totality of the circumstances. The presence of one or more of the following factors may support consideration for activation:

• Documented probability or history of violence associated with the event.

• Intelligence indicating dangerous weapons may be present.

• Credible threats to critical facilities or infrastructure.

• Anticipated use of protest locking devices.

• Attendance by high-level government officials or protected dignitaries.

• Organized counter-protest groups are expected.

• Estimated crowd size of 250 or more persons.

• Anticipated mass arrests exceeding Mobile Field Force (MFF) capability.

• Presence of organized groups wearing coordinated military-style uniforms requiring command assessment.

• Request for specialized SRT equipment or capabilities.

These factors are intended to assist command-level decision-making and, by themselves, do not require SRT activation.

COMMAND STRUCTURE

Upon activation of the SRT, command of SRT personnel and resources shall remain within the established SRT chain of command. The Incident Commander retains overall responsibility for the management of the incident and establishes the incident objectives. The SRT Commander retains command and administrative control of all SRT personnel, equipment, tactics, and safety, and directs the deployment and supervision of assigned SRT resources.

The Incident Commander and the SRT Commander shall coordinate to ensure accomplishment of the incident objectives. Requests for the SRT missions or modifications shall be communicated through the SRT chain of command. The SRT Commander may modify, reassign, suspend, or terminate the SRT tactical operations as operational circumstances dictate and shall keep the Incident Commander informed of significant operational changes.

No member outside the SRT chain of command, regardless of rank, position, assignment, or agency affiliation, shall direct or modify SRT tactics, personnel assignments, or operational decisions without prior approval from the SRT commander. Such approval does not confer or transfer command authority over SRT personnel or operations.

Command Configuration

Upon activation of a full platoon (4 SRT squads or more), command shall be exercised by the SRT Commander, who shall hold the rank of Captain or Commander. When two SRT squads are activated, command shall be exercised by an SRT Commander holding the rank of Lieutenant. These command configurations may be modified, based on operational needs, with the approval of the EOB Unit Commander, the SOD Commander, or the SOD Division Chief.

The SRT Commander maintains responsibility for the command, coordination, supervision, and accountability of the SRT operations and establishes mission objectives for subordinate supervisors. In the absence of the SRT Commander, command shall be assumed by the designated SRT supervisor or other supervisor authorized by Department policy.

Each SRT Platoon Lieutenant or SRT Squad Sergeant is assigned a mission by the SRT Commander or designated supervisor and is responsible for directing platoon or squad operations consistent with the incident objectives and the SRT Commander's direction.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

SRT Commander

The SRT Commander is responsible for the overall planning, coordination, supervision, and accountability of the SRT operations. Responsibilities include:

• Establishing mission objectives and tactical priorities.

• Responding to the incident and the designated Command Post to provide on-scene command, supervision, and coordination of the SRT operations.

• Coordinating the SRT operations with the Incident Commander.

• Attending and participating in operational briefings, incident planning meetings, and debriefings throughout the incident.

• Assigning personnel and resources to accomplish the mission.

• Ensuring the safety, accountability, and operational readiness of SRT personnel.

• Modifying or reassigning SRT resources as operational conditions require.

SRT Sergeant

The SRT Sergeant assists the SRT Commander with the planning, coordination, and supervision of the SRT operations and assumes command when designated or in the absence of the SRT Commander.

Platoon Lieutenant

• Commands assigned platoon.

• Implements objectives established by the SRT Commander.

• Supervises platoon personnel.

• Coordinates platoon resources and reports operational status to the SRT Commander.

Squad Sergeant

The Squad Sergeant provides direct supervision of assigned squad personnel and is responsible for:

• Directing squad operations.

• Maintaining personnel accountability and discipline.

• Ensuring compliance with Department policy and safety procedures.

• Reporting significant operational issues through the chain of command.

SPECIALIZED SUPPORT RESOURCES

As determined by the SRT Command Staff, SRT deployments may be supported by:

• Mounted Enforcement Detail (MED)

• Motor Response Team (MRT)

• Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB)

• Inmate Reception Center (IRC) Field Booking Team

• Court Services Transportation (CST)

• Aero Bureau

• Reserve Forces Bureau

• Internal Affairs Bureau Use of Force Roll-Out Team

• Detective Division Intelligence/Undercover Operations personnel

SRT DEPLOYMENT STAFFING MODELS

The following deployment models represent standard SRT deployment configurations and may be modified by the SRT Command based upon operational needs. It should be noted the “Two-Squad Model” is the minimum deployment model available unless otherwise stated by the EOB Unit Commander or their designee.

FIELD REPORTING GROUP

The Field Reporting Group (FRG) is a Detective Division resource that may be deployed in support of the SRT operations. The FRG provides investigative, situational awareness, and support capabilities associated with demonstrations, civil unrest, and other large-scale public order incidents.

Requests for the FRG support shall be initiated by the SRT Command through the FRG Incident Commander. The FRG Incident Commander shall coordinate the request with the designated Detective Division Unit Commander, who is responsible for approving the deployment and determining the appropriate staffing based on the operational needs of the incident. Following approval by the Detective Division Unit Commander, the Detective Division Chief shall be notified for concurrence prior to deployment.

When FRG personnel are deployed in support of a SRT activation, all uses of force, personnel complaints, administrative investigations, and other personnel matters involving SRT personnel, including assigned FRG personnel, shall be coordinated and managed by the SRT, the EOB, and the SOD in accordance with Department policy.

REFERENCES

MPP 3-02/080.45 - Special Teams Training and Deployments

MPP 5-06/150.00 - Sheriff's Response Team

MPP 5-06/150.10 - Sheriff's Response Team Functions and Missions

MPP 5-06/150.20 - Sheriff’s Response Team Composition and Structure

MPP 5-06/150.30 - Sheriff's Response Team Responsibilities

MPP 5-06/150.40 - Sheriff's Response Team Commander

MPP 5-06/150.50 - Requests by Police Agencies for the Sheriff's Response Team

EOP 4-4 – Mobile Field Force Organization and Equipment (Hyperlink Pending)