THE ROLE OF WMD/SRT

Weapons of Mass Destruction / Special Response Teams (SRT): A highly trained, equipped and skilled tactical team that serves as a resource for ILEAS member agencies in handling weapons of mass destruction incidents. In addition to standard SWAT equipment each team also has hazardous materials protective gear and detection equipment, armored vehicle and self contained breathing apparatus.

Mission: To respond to a weapons of mass destruction incident anywhere in the state or other area approved by the Director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and to provide all avenues of support to the local incident commander, the State Weapons of Mass Destruction Team and the appropriate federal agencies responsible for the mitigation and investigation of such incidents. Region 8 WMD/SRT provides mutual aid tactical support for all Region 8 ILEAS member agencies.

Function:

  • Stabilize the scene.
  • Establish inner perimeter.
  • Neutralize human threat.
  • Detect conventional bombs, hazardous materials, chemical or biological agents.
  • Aid victims.
  • Decontaminate victims, emergency responders and items moving from the hot to cold zones.
  • Preserve crime scene.
  • Establish communications with the local incident commander and state EOC.
  • Prepare for the arrival of the State Weapons of Mass Destruction Team and Illinois National Guard Civil Support Team.
  • Provide liaison and operate with the local incident commander, SWMD, and National Guard.
  • (REGION SPECIFIC):Support local law enforcement with high risk warrant service, manhunts, and other tactical exercises upon request.

Regional Response Teams:Regional boards may formally adopt the SRT as a regional tactical team for use during non-WMD emergency incidents where life is in danger or an immediate significant threat to public safety exists.

ACTIVATION OF WMD/SRT:

•For an emergency response to a conventional, non-WMD, police incident, a call should be made to the regional team commander or assistant commander and a request made for your region’s ILEAS WMD/SRT response. Alternatively, you may call Northwest Central Dispatch(1-847-590-3500) or Peoria Dispatch (1-309-494-8000)and request activation of the WMD/SRT. Please note that if you ask for a SWAT team, the closest non ILEAS WMD/SRT tactical team will be dispatched. NWCD or Peoria Dispatch will notify the team commander or assistant team commander who will in turn contact you. Be advised that incidents have to rise to a level which meets the teams threat matrix, information to determine if it fits criteria will be gathered by team command staff. Incidents which will likely earn a response are barricaded gunmen (within certain criteria), hostage situations, active shooters, manhunts for armed offenders that have shown a propensity for violence, high risk warrants (fortified targets, multiple locations), vehicle assaults, etc…

•For a planned event, a call may be made to the Regional Team Commander or to the NWCD as far in advance as possible.

•The Regional Team Commander will be responsible for ensuring that all team members are notified.

Team Commander ______PD/SD: ______Cell: ______

Assist. Team Commander ______PD/SD: ______Cell: ______