The Lancaster Police Department's
Special Response Team (SRT) was created
in 1992 to execute drug offense related
search warrants. Initially, several officers were
sent to the Columbus, Ohio Division of
Police basic SWAT school to receive
training in tactical techniques. Since
then, additional standards and
requirements have been enacted to
determine the fitness and suitability of
all SRT members.
The success of the SRT in serving search
warrants prompted an expansion of the
unit. Additional officers
were trained and assigned to the team.
The team then began to be deployed in
hostage / barricade incidents. The
department purchased special weapons and
equipment and scheduled monthly training
exercises. Mid-Ohio Ambulance Inc. of
Lancaster generously donated a vehicle,
which was modified for use by the team.
The SRT later added a negotiation
component to the unit. The negotiation team
currently has three trained
negotiators who strive to peacefully
resolve all high-risk incidents. The
negotiators maintain a specialized
"hostage phone" for communications with
barricaded persons.
Today's SRT consists of twelve
officers, an EMT, and three negotiators.
Team members receive continuing training
and participate in the annual countywide
disaster drill. The SRT hosted a statewide training
exercise in May 2001.
Since its inception, the Special
Response Team has successfully executed hundreds
of arrest and search
warrants. The team has also successfully
resolved over thirty hostage / barricade
situations. The SRT is trained and
equipped to handle a wide variety of
"special" calls for service. All team members are volunteers
and are continuously on call in
the event of an emergency within the
city.
In 2008, the Columbus, Ohio Division
of Police graciously donated an armored
vehicle. This vehicle was repaired,
restored, and placed into service in
2009 for the safety and security of SRT
members during special operations.
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