NCJ Number
174261
Journal
Corrections Technology and Management Volume: 2 Issue: 7 Dated: August 1998) P 12-2 Pages: -
Date Published
1998
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This article describes the SUITS (Special Units International Training Services) training program used to prepare the Essex County Division of Corrections' (New Jersey) special emergency response team (SERT) to respond to critical incidents within the county's correctional facilities.
Abstract
The first step taken by SUITS was to assess the possible situations the county might be facing and establish a detailed and accurate mission definition. The process included surveying facilities to assess the possible future scenarios of major riots and hostage situations. The process also included a thorough debriefing of all levels of personnel to obtain their input. The final stage was establishing the strategy and tactical principles that are to form the guidelines for the new team's standard operating procedure (SOP). After establishing the mission, a team operative profile was developed. All officers who applied for the team were tested in accordance with this profile. The team selection process involved a physical examination, interviews, mission elements, and a firearm test. The next step in creating the SERT team was designing the basic academy. Instruction encompassed a 4-week period of intensive training that covered basic firearms, advanced firearms, defensive tactics, hostage rescue tactics, and corrections SOP. In the hostage-rescue program, the tactical principles deployed were surprise, diversion, and confusion; speed; environmental advantage; and crowd control and separation.