Athens-Clarke County Strategic Response Team

 

SRT Team Members

The mission of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department's Strategic Response Team (SRT) is to resolve dangerous, or potentially dangerous, situations using advanced tactics and tools, which help to increase the likelihood for a safe outcome for all persons involved. In striving to achieve our mission, SRT members are provided advanced training and special equipment to respond to incidents that are beyond the scope of the average police officer or investigator.

Historically, in Athens-Clarke County, the most common type of incident requiring the Strategic Response Team's response has been a barricaded gunman situation.

SRT team member at a recent standoff

However, team members are also trained to resolve a wide a range of other incidents including, but not limited to, hostage situations, high risk warrant service, and the apprehension of violent wanted persons.

SRT preparing to make entry

To become a member of the Strategic Response Team, eligible officers must successfully complete a rigorous selection process. The selection process tests physical fitness abilities, critical thinking abilities, and firearm skills.

SRT members participate in various practices and drills on a constant basis.

SRT members receive extensive firearms training.

It concludes with an oral interview board. If accepted to the team, members attend regular monthly training in-house. Team members also often attend advanced training outside the department. Additionally, the team competes annually in the Southeastern S.W.A.T. Competition in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

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