Special Emergency Response Team (S.E.R.T.)
With an emphasis on reducing staff and incarcerated persons injuries, the S.E.R.T. team was first formed in 1993. Training combined physical fitness with basic scenarios dealing with cell extractions, jail incidents or mini-riots, high-risk inmate transport, and loose-prisoner drills.
The team was selected from Corrections personnel who took pride in themselves and their career field. They regularly donated their off duty time to train, as well as purchasing their own basic equipment.
The Merced County Sheriff’s Department funded the purchase of extraction shields, elbow and knee protection, helmets, and other squads styled gear. The team’s individual members regularly had input into creating protocols, training scenarios, policies, and procedures.