DELAWARE STATE POLICE SPECIAL OPERATIONS RESPONSE TEAM (SORT)
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 2005, the team was activated 96 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 and during 2005 team members attended both refresher training and certification training 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.
The Team is comprised of 32 troopers. Two members are assigned to the command and control function, eleven members make up the Alpha entry team, eleven members make up the Bravo entry team, and eight members serve as sniper/observers.
During 2005, the team continued at a pace rivaling some full-time tactical teams. Deploying 96 times, the team reacted to armed barricades, numerous high-risk warrants and vehicle stops. The majority of the team deployments involved high-risk warrant executions and vehicle stops for the state wide Special Investigations Unit. Critical incident deployments decreased significantly from last year with a total of three barricaded incidents. Additionally, two responses occurred with armed suicidal persons for less-lethal support.
The Team continued to work closely with the Special Investigation Units providing tactical support executing drug search warrants and vehicle stops. Additionally, sniper-observers provided surveillance support to both the Special Investigations Units and Criminal Investigative Units statewide. Using state of the art optics and night vision equipment, sniper-observers continued to be a valuable intelligence gathering and surveillance tool.
The Team conducts monthly training in the areas of hostage rescue, dynamic forced entry, covert / stealth clearing, weapons training and scenario based events. During 2005, the team focused on firearm proficiency, live fire threat analysis/engagement and covert/stealth clearing techniques. Collectively, a focus on hostage rescue techniques, barricade resolution and night vision training was also maintained. This year also provided an opportunity to receive training in the area of explosive breaching techniques.
Another challenge faced by tactical teams, especially in light of terrorist tactics, involved hostage rescue on buses and trains. Also known as linear assault tactics, the team trained with the assistance of DART and Amtrak to resolve these type incidents. A passenger bus was provided by DART and passenger train cars by Amtrak to conduct practical exercises. In addition to the equipment, each agency provided technicians to explain the inner workings of each vehicle. This training was invaluable for the identification of potential problems and development of tactics to defeat a threat on public transportation.
For some time, the Team has explored the feasibility of implementing an explosive breaching program. In conjunction with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit and Department of Corrections (DOC) a very reputable training group known as Forced Tactical Entry provided training in this area. A six day comprehensive course provided a basic knowledge of explosives, explosive handling, safety, charge calculation / associated risks and charge construction. Practical exercises were also conducted at a local training site where over 30 different charges were built and detonated. As a result, a partnership was formed between the EOD and SORT units to accomplish this mission. Additionally, DOC will continue the partnership formed at training to accomplish a common goal between units. Through continued training and policy development a complete program should be in place by late 2006.
The entry teams currently train two consecutive days a month with a three-day consecutive training event every quarter for a total of 224 training hours annually. The sniper-observers train three consecutive days monthly for a total of 288 hours annually. The entry teams and sniper teams train as a full team one day during monthly training. The remainder of the time the teams train on their individual mission.
The team continued to provide support operations to the Division at a tempo few can endure while maintaining high standards at their individual assignments. Personnel changes also occurred this year. Cpl/3 Wayne Warren retired from the team after 18 years of service with SORT. Cpl/3 Warren served as a team member, team leader and Assistant NCOIC during his tenure. Cpl/3 Andy Goode also resigned from the team after almost eight years of service. Team testing took place during the summer and two new members: Cpl. Eric Daniels and TFC Dave Diana were selected. Both completed the Baltimore County SWAT Course during September 2005. During the last five years the Special Operations Response Team has deployed over 500 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 2006 being no different. The Special Operations Response Team will continue to react to the mission with enthusiasm, dedication and professionalism. First and foremost, the team will train and conduct operations to fulfill our motto:
“EVERYBODY IN… EVERYBODY OUT…”
