SHERIFF'S OFFICE
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Erie County Sheriff's Department

S.E.R.T. Division

A series of events in the late 1990s led several Police Chiefs in Erie County to examine the need for a tactical option when responding to high-risk situations. Shortly after taking office in 1999, Sheriff Bob Merski seized the initiative in forming a multi-jurisdictional S.E.R.T. team for Erie County.

After training with the City of Erie S.W.A.T. team for a year, the Sheriff's Office began to organize a multi-jurisdictional team. Currently, officers from the City of Corry Police Department, and Deputies from the Sheriff's Office make up the team. The team receives extensive support from the City of Erie S.W.A.T. team.

Officers wishing to try out for the team must meet the following requirements:
  • Volunteer for S.E.R.T. duty.
  • Complete their probationary period with their parent agency.
  • Be recommended by their Chief.
  • Be physically fit. The PF test is a grueling six-minute event.
  • Exhibit exceptional firearms proficiency.
Officers then must complete the six-day Basic course taught by the City of Erie S.W.A.T. team. This course covers: entry planning and scouting, building search, covert and dynamic entry techniques, and intensive firearms training. The course culminates in a nine-mile forced march through rough terrain and a full-scale, call out scenario. Officers train at least once a month and attend outside schooling on a continual basis after completion of the basic course.

S.E.R.T. missions include: hostage rescue, high-risk warrant service, key asset protection and active shooter response.

The Erie County S.E.R.T. team is a life saving tool available to support any requesting agency in the county.