DASO Special Response Team

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: "How can I obtain a Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department patch or Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department Special Response Team patch?"

A: The Doña Ana County Sheriff's Department and its SRT will only trade patches with the following organizations:

1. Other local, state or federal law enforcement tactical teams
2. Military special operation groups (designed specifically for S.R.T./H.R.T. functions)
3. Other local or federal law enforcement tactical teams located across the globe

Additionally, we will only send patches to a department’s or military installation's main address (no patches will be mailed to private addresses). If inquiring about a trade, please include a phone number so that verification can be made about your identity.

Q: "What does it take to become a member of the Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Department’s S.R.T.?"

A: Our newly formed Perimeter Unit is the selection ground for our Entry Team members. In order to become a member of the Entry Team you must:

1. Have been a member of the Sheriff's Dept. for a minimum of 18 months and have a work record free of excessive use of force complaints.
2. Complete the DASO-SRT Obstacle Course within the prescribed time period. (If you are not in really good shape, don't even bother showing up.)
3. Score a 90 percent or better on our firearm-qualification course.
4. Pass an oral board consisting of the senior members of the S.R.T.
5. After completion of the above, the successful candidates are screened by the Team Commander and must pass final approval by the Sheriff.

Additionally members must have a willingness to adjust work hours to conform to the team’s needs. Each applicant must have better-than-average communication skills, a high level of self confidence, the ability to follow orders without follow-up instruction, and a willingness to take constructive criticism and apply the same to better him or herself.

Q: "What kind of situations are the Special Response Team deployed to?"

A: The Special Response Team is deployed during the following circumstances:

1. High Risk Warrant Service
2. Barricaded/Armed Subjects (suicidal or otherwise)
3. Hostage Situations
4. Decoy Operations
5. Dignitary Protection
6. Riot Control Situations
7. Sniper/Active Shooter Situations

Q: "Is your team a full-time S.R.T. unit or a part-time unit?"

A: Our team is a part-time (collateral duty) team. This means that the members of our team all have primary jobs within the Sheriff’s Department other than tactical operations. Some of our team members are criminal investigators, others are with our community-policing division, and some are assigned to the patrol division. When the need for our team arises, we immediately form into a tactical unit.

Q: "How often does your team train?"

A: Our team trains a minimum of 20 hours a month (240 hours a year, minimum). Sixteen of these hours are dedicated to various types of skills that need constant maintenance or up-keep, such as basic clearing techniques. The other four hours a month are reserved for team interaction with our tactical unit’s K-9 handlers and their dogs.

Q: "Does your department ever put on S.R.T./S.W.A.T. training for other agencies?"

A1: Our department hosts an 80-hour S.R.T./S.W.A.T. school annually. During this time, we train our newest team members and any other local, state, or federal tactical units that are searching for a tactical school that touches on a wide variety of topics. The class has been accredited through the New Mexico Department of Public Safety for 80 hours of Advanced Training. The class covers many different aspects of S.R.T./S.W.A.T. operations and is by no means basic in nature, although we cover many of the basic concepts.

A2: In April 2003, we hosted an Advanced SWAT/SRT school. The course was 40 hours in length and was open to all civilian and military tactical operators who had completed a Basic SWAT School. Topics included: rappelling, live fire drills, hostage rescue, and a host of other tactical-mission duties. Dates for future Advanced Schools will be posted on this web site.

Q: "How do I learn more and apply to the S.R.T./S.W.A.T. school?"

A: Click HERE.