The Special Response Team was formed in 1992. Its mission is to deal with those situations that require specialized training and equipment not readily available for Patrol Deputy / Officer. Those situations may involve active shooter, hostage rescue, armed barricaded subjects, working in conjunction with other regional teams, and the execution of search warrants where the potential for weapons or other violence may exists.

The SRT Unit is multi jurisdictional and staffed currently by the Sheriff’s Office, Colon Police Department, Three Rivers Police Department, White Pigeon Police Department, and the Sturgis Police Department. This team has the ability to deploy night vision, robotic technology, thermal imagery and wireless remote video.

SRT trains monthly with weapons, equipment and tactics. Its available to any Police Agency in St Joseph County and the 5th District, which consists of Southwest Michigan Communities upon request.