Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office
Special Response Team

A: Due to the strict controls on our unit and department’s patch, the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department’s SRT will only trade patches with the following organizations:

1. other local, state or federal law enforcement tactical teams
2. military special operation groups (designed specifically for S.R.T./H.R.T. functions)
3. other local or federal law enforcement tactical teams located across the globe

Additionally, we will only send patches to department or military installation's main address (i.e. we will not send a patch to a private address). If inquiring about a trade, please include a phone number so that verification can be made about your identity.

A: The journey to join our team is a difficult one. Our newly formed Perimeter Unit is the selection ground for our Entry Team members. In order to become a member of the Entry Team you must complete the following:

1. Have been a member of the Sheriff's Dept. for a minimum of 18 months and have a work record free of excessive use of force complaints.
2. Complete the DASO-SRT Obstacle Course within the prescribed time period. (If you are not in really good shape, don't even bother showing up.)
3. Score a 90% or better on our firearm qualification course.
4. Pass an oral board consisting of the senior members of the S.R.T.
5. After completion of the above, the successful candidates are screened by the Team Commander and must pass final approval by the Sheriff.

Additionally members must have a willingness to adjust work hours to conform to the team’s needs. The applicant must have better then average communication skills, a high level of self confidence, the ability to follow orders without follow up instruction, and a willingness to take constructive criticism and apply the same to better him or herself.

A: The Special Response Team is deployed during the following circumstances:

1. High Risk Warrant Service
2. Barricaded/Armed Subjects (suicidal or otherwise)
3. Hostage Situations
4. Decoy Operations
5. Dignitary Protection
6. Riot Control Situations
7. Sniper/Active Shooter Situations

A: Our team is a part time (collateral duty) team. This means that the members of our team all have a primary job within the Sheriff’s Department other than tactical operations. Some of our team members are criminal investigators with the department, others are with our community policing division, and some are assigned to the patrol division. When the need for our team arises, we immediately form into a tactical unit.

A: Our team trains a minimum of 20 hours a month (240 hours a year, minimum). Sixteen of these hours are dedicated to various types of skills that need constant maintenance or up-keep, such as basic clearing techniques. The other four hours a month are reserved for team interaction with our tactical unit’s K-9 handlers and their dogs.

A1: Our department hosts an 80 hour S.R.T./S.W.A.T. school approximately one time a year. During this time, we train our newest team members and any other local, state, or federal tactical units that are searching for a tactical school that touches on a wide variety of topics. The class has been accredited through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for 80 hours of Advanced Training. The class covers many different aspects of S.R.T./S.W.A.T. operations and is by no means basic in nature, although we cover many of the basic concepts. 

A2: In April 2003, we hosted an Advanced SWAT/SRT school. The course was be 40 hours in length and was is open to all civilian and military tactical operators who have completed a Basic SWAT School. Topics will included: rappelling, live fire drills, hostage rescue, and a host of other tactical mission duties. Dates for future Advanced Schools will be posted within this web site.

A: Simple. Just click HERE.