(Le Mars) — Saturday evening’s fatal stabbing incident called upon the services of
the Le Mars Police-Plymouth County-and Sioux County Special Response Team or SRT.
The Special Response Team is a tactical unit that is used on special occasions to
prevent a suspect from possibly injuring others. Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputy
Sergarent Rick Singer says the Special Response Team trains and simulates different
scenarios at least once a month. Singer talks about why the three entities have
formed the Special Response Team.
Singer explains the different scenarios which would require the services of the
Special Response Team.
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Deputy says the S-R-T team is called upon whenever
the case officer believes the situation calls for their involvement.
Singer says there are 13 members representing the Special Response Team.
Singer says it is a rare occasion when the S-R-T unit is called upon for a tense
situation. Prior to Saturday’s stabbing incident, the last time the tactical team
was in action was to assist Cherokee law enforcement officials.
The S-R-T officer says the adrenaline begins to flow when the SRT team is requested
to go into action.
The equipment that the S-R-T uses could be compared to equipment the military may
use for battle.
Singer says the SRT also uses a small robotic camera.
The Plymouth County Sheriff Deputy and SRT officer says it was in 1998 when the
units were first brought together.
