In August 1995, the department formed a Special Response Team, (also known as SWAT) to respond to critical incidents that occur within the city of Elizabethton. This nine-officer team began through physical fitness tests that assessed the abilities of the members. The team trained when sufficient time was available and utilized available weapons and equipment that were issued by the department.

Since that time, the SRT has acquired weapons and equipment that is commonly used by elite special ops units throughout the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies across the United States. Today, the team trains on a monthly basis and attends 40-hour SWAT type specific training school each year. The training focuses on real-life scenarios that test the team’s ability to react to highly volatile situations. The officers work full time in their respective assignments and are called upon for the SRT if the need arises.

ORGANIZATION

The nine officer team consists of the following:

SRT Commander: Sergeant

Assistant SRT Commander: Sergeant

Seven Tactical Officers: These officers are cross-trained in various weapons systems and two officers comprise a Sniper/Counter-Sniper & Scout Team. The team has one officer certified as a paramedic. All team members are full-time officers that come from patrol division, criminal investigation division and housing agency officers. Each officer is a volunteer in the SRT capacity and must remain in excellent physical condition, be an outstanding marksman, and possess sound tactical decision making capabilities.

Hostage/Crisis Negotiators: In addition to the tactical element of the SRT, two hostage/crisis negotiators play a vital role in the effectiveness of the team.

OPERATIONS

The Chief of Police or his designee activates the Special Response Team when any critical incident arises. The activations of the Special Response Team are broken down into six primary categories of call-outs.

• Hostage Situations
  
• Active-Shooter(s)
  
• Barricaded Subjects
  
• High-Risk Search Warrant Service
  
• High-Risk Arrest Warrant Service
  
• Special Circumstances; (Dignitary Protection, Domestic Terrorist Attacks, Riot Suppression etc.)
  
  

The Elizabethton Police Department’s Special Response Team falls under the Mutual Aid Agreement Act that permits the team to assist other departments and agencies if the Chief or Sheriff of another department requests the activation of the team through the Chief of the Elizabethton Police Department.