DELAWARE STATE POLICE SPECIAL OPERATIONS RESPONSE TEAM (SORT)
Sergeant Alfred W. Parton Jr.
The Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) provides the Division with a tactical response to the following: hostage incidents, armed barricade incidents, high risk warrant service, high risk vehicle stops, dignitary protection, surveillance assistance and any crisis situation deemed appropriate by the Executive Staff. During 2006 and 2007, the team was activated 231 times in this capacity. Through professionalism, dedication, training and state of the art equipment, the Special Operation Response Team conducted these activations in a safe and successful manner. Training continues to be the main contributing factor for success as team members attended several training events to sharpen their skills. As a part-time team, members continue to perform in an exemplary manner both in the performance of their assigned duties with the Division and team assignments with S.O.R.T.
During 2006 and 2007, the team continued at a pace rivaling some full-time tactical teams. Deploying 231 times, the team reacted to armed barricades, numerous high-risk warrants and vehicle stops. The majority of the team deployments involved high-risk warrant execution and vehicle stops for the state wide Special Investigations Unit.
The team conducts monthly training in the areas of hostage rescue, dynamic forced entry, covert/stealth clearing, weapons training and scenario based events. During 2006 and 2007, the team focused on firearm proficiency, live fire threat analysis/engagement, dynamic/stealth clearing techniques and close quarter combat techniques to combat the terrorist threat.
In 2006 and 2007, the team continued to refine skills to better prepare for the many challenges faced during tactical operations. One such challenge is the war on terrorism. In an effort to enhance tactical proficiency, training was provided by New Mexico Technical College, Government Training Institute, National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA), Delaware Tactical Officers Association (DTOA) and the Mid-Atlantic Tactical Officer Association (MATOA) to include: Suicide Bomber Interdiction, Hostage Rescue, Barricade Resolution, Counter-terrorism, Bus Assault, Active Shooter, Tubular Assault and operations in Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear Environments (CBRNE).
In 2007, a proposal was submitted and approved to better prepare the team for deployment against active shooters and potential terrorists. The proposal will be fully implemented by March 2008 when the entire team will be equipped with either the HK416 or Colt M-4 assault rifle. The introduction of the rifle as a primary weapon system will put the team at the leading edge of tactical capability. Training will be streamlined, eliminating redundant weapon systems thus allowing the team to focus on the mission v. maintaining multiple weapon skills. Six personnel were trained in October 2007 as instructors on the weapon system, associated optics, tactical deployment and close quarter defense skills. Instruction was provided by Blackwater, USA over a grueling seven day period. The newly trained instructors will train the entire team for three consecutive days in March 2008 to complete the transition.
One challenge faced by tactical teams, especially in light of terrorist tactics involves the potential threat caused by suicide bombers. Sixteen members of the team traveled to Playas, NM to attend week-long training specific to this threat. The training sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and hosted by New Mexico Tech was very informative, realistic and provided valuable training to deal with this threat.
In 2007, SORT in conjunction with other special units, DRBA, DEMA and other agencies conducted a full scale mock exercise at the NCC Airport. The exercise was developed to test response skills for SWAT, EOD, Incident Command, EMS and other associated units required for a mass casualty, terrorist incident. DSP SORT was assigned missions to prevent a suicide bomber attack and resolve a hostage incident on a hijacked airliner. Due to the large responsibility and manpower required assistance was provided by New Castle County SWAT. Interoperability of tactical units is critical for these type incidents and was tested during this exercise. As a result, both units gained valuable experience in this arena, identified areas for training and developed a framework for success should we be faced with a similar situation.
The team in conjunction with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit continued to develop and implement the explosive breaching program. Training was conducted with the entire team this year to introduce them to the technique and familiarize all team members in the use. The training proved invaluable when an explosive breach was required during an actual operation in 2006. The two teams were able to mesh as a unit and execute the breach flawlessly. Training continues to further enhance this capability.
Additionally, team members attended the 2006 National Tactical Officer Association (NTOA) conference in Los Angeles, CA, 2007 NTOA Conference in Milwaukee, WI, the 2006 International Breacher Conference in Tucson, AZ, the 2007 Breacher Conference in Memphis, TN, the 2006 Delaware Tactical Officer Conference (DTOA) in Wilmington, DE and the Mid-Atlantic Tactical Officer Association (MATOA) Conference in Aston, PA. During the DTOA conference, team members received training for bus assaults using methods developed by the Israeli military to combat terrorists. At the 2007 Breacher Conference Sgt. Chris Ennis and Sgt. Al Parton gave a presentation regarding techniques developed for porting passenger train windows. Sgt. Rob Kracyla and Cpl/3 Don Boulerice assisted by several team members provided practical instruction for active shooter response at the 2007 MATOA Conference. Newly assigned members of the team also completed the three-week Basic SWAT Course in Baltimore County, MD.
The team continued to provide support operations to the division at a tempo few can endure while maintaining high standards at their individual assignments. During 2006, the team achieved a new operational record with 126 operations. Since 2001 the Special Operations Response Team has deployed over 700 times on high-risk missions. The operational tempo of the team continues to rival that of full-time teams across the country with the anticipation of 2008 being no different. The training demands have also increased significantly with the introduction of advanced equipment and skill sets. The Special Operations Response Team will continue to react to the mission with enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism.
