By Sergeant Adam Eich
County jails are dynamic environments that present unique and often unpredictable challenges. Unlike state prisons, which typically house long-term inmates with relatively stable populations, county jails experience constant movement — intake, releases, court appearances and transfers. This revolving door results in a wide range of individuals coming through the system: from those arrested for minor offenses like public intoxication, to high-ranking gang members awaiting trial for serious violent crimes.
With such a volatile and ever-changing population, county jails are vulnerable to incidents that require a swift, tactical and organized response. Yet, surprisingly, many facilities still lack a dedicated Special Response Team (SRT). This is a critical gap in operational readiness and facility safety.
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What is a Special Response Team?
A Special Response Team (SRT) is a specialized unit made up of corrections officers who are trained, equipped, and physically prepared to handle high-risk situations within a correctional environment. These teams are not part of everyday shift operations — they are selected for their professionalism, experience and ability to perform under pressure.
SRT officers undergo advanced training that goes beyond standard corrections officer instruction. This includes tactical movement, room clearing, riot control, cell extractions, use of specialized weapons and gear, and crisis negotiation. The presence of an SRT not only enhances a jail’s ability to respond to emergencies but also acts as a deterrent to violence and disorder within the inmate population.
Why every jail — even small ones — should have an SRT
Many smaller jails don’t have an SRT, using their size as justification. However, critical incidents aren’t exclusive to large facilities. Gang violence, assaults on staff, riots, contraband searches and high-risk inmate transports can occur anywhere — and often do.
An SRT can be utilized in a variety of situations, including:
- Facility-wide shakedowns for weapons, drugs and other contraband.
- High-risk cell extractions involving combative or mentally unstable inmates.
- Court and medical transports for dangerous or escape-prone individuals.
- Major disturbances or riots.
- Response to hostage situations or assaults.
- Support for outside law enforcement operations when approved by the sheriff.
Additionally, a visible, well-trained SRT serves as a show of force, which can help de-escalate potential threats before they turn into full-scale incidents. For staff, it also represents a morale booster — having a professional unit ready to respond reinforces a sense of security; as well as a retention booster, giving staff something to strive towards professionally. Team participation can be used as a reward and incentive for officers with strong attendance, discipline, and leadership potential. It’s a tool to boost morale, reduce burnout and encourage retention — all critical needs in the current corrections staffing crisis.
Building the team
Selection and standards
An effective SRT starts with selecting the right people. Team members should be physically fit, mentally sharp, and display consistent professionalism in their day-to-day duties.
The selection process should include:
- A physical fitness assessment that exceeds normal hiring standards.
- An oral board interview to evaluate judgment and communication skills.
- A file review focusing on use-of-force history, attendance, and overall performance.
- Peer and supervisor input to assess teamwork and leadership potential.
It’s important to note that being physically strong alone isn’t enough. These officers must remain calm under pressure, follow chain of command, and make sound decisions in fast-moving situations.
Training
Ongoing training is essential. Monthly or bi-monthly training sessions should include defensive tactics, weapons handling, communication drills and simulated emergency scenarios. SRT officers must train together frequently to maintain cohesion, trust, and consistent procedures.
At our facility, we integrate two SRT officers into each shift crew. These officers are supported by line staff during operations such as shakedowns or extractions. Before any operation, we provide clear instructions and expectations to the entire crew. This system not only ensures smooth execution but also exposes non-SRT staff to the discipline and structure of tactical operations — often sparking interest and motivation among those who wish to join the team.
Administrative support and funding
One of the most common barriers to forming an SRT is administrative hesitation or budget constraints. It’s not unusual for long-serving leadership or fiscally conservative county officials to question the necessity of such a unit — especially if there hasn’t been a major incident recently. However, that mindset is reactive rather than proactive. It’s also shortsighted.
Investing in an SRT saves money in the long run by reducing injuries, limiting lawsuits and preventing damage to jail infrastructure. The cost of outfitting a team — training, uniforms, less-lethal weapons and protective gear — is minimal compared to the fallout from a poorly handled incident. Additionally, a well-trained SRT reduces risk to officers and inmates alike, improving overall facility safety and reducing liability.
In one instance, a facility facing administrative pushback discovered that its own policy manual mandated the existence of a specialized tactical team. After bringing this to light, the administration approved the team, recognizing the benefits not only for emergency response but for staff development and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
A Special Response Team is not a luxury — it’s a necessity for any county jail seeking to operate safely, efficiently and professionally. The risks in a correctional setting are too high to rely solely on hope and improvisation when critical incidents arise.
Whether your jail houses 50 or 750 inmates, the benefits of a well-trained, disciplined SRT are clear: enhanced safety, improved morale, stronger staff development, and greater institutional control.
If your facility doesn’t yet have an SRT, now is the time to start the conversation. Because in this line of work, being prepared isn’t just smart — it’s essential.
About the author
Adam Eich holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology/Sociology and a Master’s degree in Human Behavior in Society from Valparaiso University. He brings a decade of correctional experience, including six years as a Corporal and team leader on a Special Operations Response Team (SORT) at a 1,000-inmate facility where he also served three years as a gangs and intelligence investigator, with the honor guard, and as an instructor in defensive tactics and OC. Adam has had multiple law enforcement certifications including pistol, patrol rifle, shotgun, Pepperball, TASER and OC.
He currently serves as a sergeant at a 400-bed facility and is an originating member of the facility’s Special Response Team (SRT). His experience includes seven years as a Field Training Officer and as an instructor in defensive tactics, SRT operations, cell extractions, inmate transportation, The WRAP and the Safety Restraint Chair. He has also functioned as an expert witness and brings extensive instructional and operational expertise to his work.
In addition to his correctional career, Adam was previously a certified EMT and served over five years as a reserve police officer.