Knox County
Sheriff's Office
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Knox County
Sheriff's Office
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SORT
Special Operations
Response Team
In Omnia Paratus
The Mission of the Knox County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Response Team (S.O.R.T.) is to provide a highly trained special Operations Unit that will respond to and eliminate elevated security situations within the Knox County Corrections System or incidents deemed necessary by the Sheriff or his designee.
S.O.R.T. is an on call team that is able to deploy to a location within minutes of notification, then be able to quickly and efficiently eliminate any security problem, control any situation necessary and contain any threat with minimum injuries to officers, inmates and/or the general public. Those responsibilities include, but are not limited to: riot control, cell extractions, facility recovery, close security administrative search inspections, mass inmate movements, hostage recovery, courtroom security, high risk transports, lost/fleeing subject search, subject apprehension, servitude and execution of warrants.
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What We do
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S.O.R.T. Activity for 2019
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Total Missions
22 Missions 12 High Risk Transports 6 High Security Court Detail 2 Searches for Lost Persons 1 Detention Area Search 1 Civilian Protest
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Skills Developed & Enhanced
SKILLS TECHNIQUES TRAINING EXPERIENCE DEDICATION ACCOUNTABLE
ADVANCED DEFENSIVE TACTICS
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team goes beyond standard defensive tactics training. During the additional three week S.O.R.T. academy, recruits are taught advanced take-down procedures, edged weapon defense, control tactics, and more. These tactics are practiced throughout the year to hone proficiency.
RIOT CONTROL
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team is trained in Riot Formation and Control Tactics. For potential riots or other similar dangers, S.O.R.T. will be on the front line to help restore order and maintain safety for innocent bystanders and our community. A rigorous training regime is conducted during the S.O.R.T. academy as well as continued training through the year.
WOODLAND OPERATIONS
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team routinely trains in woodland areas to aid in any operations that may take place in such terrain. Commonly going off the beaten path to learn orientation, outdoor survival techniques, as well as learning to see evidence of human/animal presence, S.O.R.T. is fully confident in going in the harder to reach areas of Knox County.
SURVEILLANCE TECHNIQUES & TACTICS
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team is trained in a variety of standard and advanced surveillance techniques. Learning to blend in and see without being seen, S.O.R.T. members learn to work in tandem with one another as well as individually to gather much needed information safely.
WEAPONS TRAINNG
The Knox Count Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Response Team utilizes advanced modern tools and weaponry provided to the Corrections Division. Utilizing chemical agent sprays, pepperball agents, as well as firearms, and much more, S.O.R.T. trains regularly to maintain proficiency with these items.
HIGH RISK ESCORT/TRANSPORT
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team is often responsible for the transportation of high risk individuals and/or groups. Utilizing scenarios as well as classroom studying, S.O.R.T. regularly trains in this area allowing for confidence in their skills and operation.
BODY LANGUAGE
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team gains training in body language basics. Understanding how people communicate with non-verbal gestures allows S.O.R.T. to discern potential threats, intents, and even lies from individuals with whom they interact.
LEADERSHIP
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team teaches each member the essentials of being a true leader. Each training day allows for every member to step up and take charge of whatever scenario is being conducted. Providing members with confidence in themselves, as well as others, spreads out beyond the team into everyday life.
BEHAVIOR OF LOST PERSONS
The Knox County Sheriff Special Operations Response Team gains training in understanding and predicting behavior of lost persons. Having this skill allows for S.O.R.T. to better seek out people who may be lost, or actively hiding from law enforcement. This skill, combined with being willing and capable to go where most will not, allows S.O.R.T. to be a major asset to KCSO and the Knox County community.
CELL EXTRACTIONS
The Knox County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Response Team trains to utilize cell extraction techniques to better safely handle situations wherein violent inmates refuse to exit their cells. Utilizing these tactics and techniques along with a variety of tools, S.O.R.T. is very capable of engaging and directing these situations.
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Contact
Contact SORT
The Knox County Special Operations Response Team would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us for any information or comments you may have.
**If this is an emergency or if you are in need of police response, please call 911**
