UNITS
MCSO Units
Special Response Team (SRT)
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Special Response Team (SRT) is dedicated to safely resolving high-risk situations through specialized training, equipment, and tactics. The team’s mission is to protect the community, law enforcement personnel, and suspects by minimizing harm while bringing critical incidents to a successful conclusion.
SRT is responsible for handling sensitive, potentially life-threatening situations, including:
High-risk search and arrest warrant service
Hostage rescues
Building searches for dangerous suspects
Due to the complexity and danger of these situations, the team is trained to take full control when independent officer action is not sufficient.
Team Structure & Training
The SRT is composed of:
Team Commander
Team Leader
Two Assistant Team Leaders
Entry & Perimeter Personnel
Marksmen Team
Medical Support
Hostage Negotiators
K9 Teams
Hostage and crisis negotiators are separately assigned but work closely with the tactical team. SRT members undergo regular training in advanced weapons, tactics, and coordination with other tactical units throughout the Ohio Valley.
Qualifications & Standards
All SRT members are full-time or part-time deputies assigned to different divisions within the department. SRT is a secondary assignment, requiring:
Full law enforcement certification in Ohio
Firearms qualification at a higher standard than regular deputies
Through continuous training and readiness, the Monroe County SRT stands prepared to respond to the most challenging threats, ensuring the safety and security of the community.
Clandestine Lab Team
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department Clandestine Lab Team is dedicated to identifying, processing, and dismantling illegal clandestine labs within its jurisdiction. The team also provides support to other agencies as needed.
A clandestine laboratory (commonly known as a meth lab) is an illegal operation involving equipment and chemicals used to manufacture controlled substances. As meth lab seizures increase nationwide, law enforcement faces growing challenges and risks. Officers are often the first to encounter these labs and must ensure they are properly investigated, dismantled, and disposed of safely.
Team Structure & Training
The Clandestine Lab Team consists of:
Twelve certified Clandestine Laboratory Technicians
Two Team Commanders
One Evidence Technician
Entry personnel from the Special Response Team (SRT)
Team members are trained to enter, seize, and dismantle meth labs while handling hazardous chemicals involved in production. They are equipped with specialized protective gear to ensure safety during operations.
Certification & Ongoing Training
All SRT members are part of the Meth Team and must complete:
40-hour specialized training provided by MERIT
Annual 8-hour refresher training to stay updated on evolving meth production methods
By maintaining rigorous training and readiness, the Monroe County Clandestine Lab Team plays a critical role in combating illegal drug manufacturing and ensuring community safety.
K-9 Unit Division
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit consists of four highly trained K-9 teams, certified in narcotics or explosives detection and patrol applications through the State of Ohio. Each team also holds national certification and undergoes annual state-mandated certification (OPOTA).
In addition to detection work, the K-9 teams are trained in:
Human tracking
Article and building searches
Criminal apprehension
Handler protection
These teams work alongside patrol deputies daily and assist specialty units within the agency as well as Federal, State, County, and local law enforcement agencies outside of Monroe County.
Dive Team
The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team is composed of three certified divers trained in Open Water Diver, Advanced Open Water Diver, Rescue Diver, and Search & Recovery Diver.
Due to their extensive training and professionalism, the Dive Team is frequently called upon to assist jurisdictions outside of Monroe County.
