The Cattaraugus County Sheriff's Office Special Response Team, or SRT, was developed in 1995 in response to an increase in "special threat" situations within Cattaraugus County. SRT presently consists of eighteen tactical operators, two tactical medics and a physician. This special unit responds to extremely dangerous situations that include:
- High-Risk Warrant Service
- Barricaded Subjects
- Sniper Operations
- Dignitary Protection
- Jail Uprisings
- Hostage Rescue
- Search & Rescue
- Crisis Negotiations
- Critical School Response
- High Risk Prisoner Transport
Selection for SRT is a difficult process. Applicants must first pass a demanding physical fitness test. Second, they must demonstrate they meet a high standard of firearm marksmanship and weapon handling skills. After testing, eligible applicants are interviewed before a board consisting of SRT members and the SRT Commander.
The Special Response Team's Operators are specially trained officers chosen from all sections within the Sheriff's Office. SRT has obtained enough prestige that we have been requested to assist other law enforcement agencies in and outside of Cattaraugus County.