The Sheriff's Office's Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.) is utilized in the resolution of extraordinary criminal events that are beyond the response capabilities of most individual deputies and warrant a coordinated team approach. These may include hostage or barricaded gunman situations, the service of high-risk arrest or search warrants, dignitary protection details and the like.

Federal Government Task Force
The Sheriff's Office Stockpile Service Advance Group (SSAG) supports a federal government task force special mission set that uses local government law enforcement resources as part of a synchronized coordinated federal effort to address crisis situations of national and regional proportion.

Training
The Sheriff's SSAG personnel are specially trained in Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) countermeasures and possess expertise and experience in chemical, biological and radiological operational support. Formed Police Unit (FPU) personnel are on call 24/7 to respond to WMD crisis events as they develop. WMD personnel are able to assess a suspected chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear or improvised explosive (CBRNE) event; provide advice regarding appropriate actions; and facilitate requests for assistance to expedite arrival of additional state and federal assets to help save lives, prevent human suffering, and mitigate greater property damage.