Special Response Unit

The Special Response Unit (SRU) is one of three specialized units that comprise the Special Operations Group (SOG) for the Sheriff’s Office.

The mission of SRU is to respond to unusual occurrences where the use of conventional Agency resources are inadequate or inappropriate. SRU manages said occurrences utilizing tactics and strategies that emphasize control, containment, resolution, and the protection of life and property. Additionally, SRU is a stakeholder in the Sheriff’s Office that works towards the organizations mission statement of maintaining a high level of readiness.

SRU was formed in 1972 shortly after the Berkeley Riots that came about to protest our nations involvement in the Vietnam War. The need for SRU then, as it is today, is to provide the specialized support in any situation wherein the capabilities of the team are necessary to conduct tactical operations in a high-risk environment. Tactical teams are normally given missions in conjunction with other units committed to the incident, such as patrol, investigations, negotiations, negotiation teams and explosive ordinance teams.

The men and women of the Special Response Unit are dedicated to building a safer community and the preservation of life.

This page last updated: May 18, 2008