Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT)

 ORIGIN:
The Allegany County Correctional Emergency Response Team (CERT) was created in response to a growing inmate population who was increasingly prone to violence.  Injuries were occurring to staff as well as inmates.  After careful consideration, it was decided that a specially trained group of officers who could respond quickly to emergencies would reduce the chance of injury to staff and inmates.  Since the inception of the team, injuries have been reduced to nearly zero.

PURPOSE OF CERT:
The purpose of CERT is to handle emergency situations arising in the Allegany County Jail.  This highly trained and motivated group consists of a Team Commander, two Team Leaders, and 8 CERT Operators, including a K9 Operator.  The goal of the team is to handle emergencies quickly while minimizing the risk of injury to officers, civilians, and inmates. The CERT Team stands ready and committed to protecting the Allegany County Jail and all those who work, visit, and live within its walls.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Qualification for CERT:

·         Two (2) years of service as Correction Officer or Deputy Sheriff, with at least one (1) year of full-time service. 

·         Completion of a physical indicating no medical restrictions and in good health.

·         Must meet or exceed all applicable NYS Commission of Corrections training requirements.

·         Must complete the CERT physical agility test.  This test includes tasks that a CERT Operator would face in normal operations.  These include a 100 yard run, obstacle course, and downed officer/inmate drag.  All of the tasks are performed in a set time period in full response gear.

TRAINING:
CERT conducts training on a monthly basis to maintain the readiness of the team.  Many training areas have been held with various other agencies, including members of the NYC Department of Corrections Emergency Services Unit – Riker’s Island.  CERT members are trained in the following areas:

• CERT Policy and Procedure

• Defensive Tactics

• Compliant and Non-Compliant handcuffing

• Cell Extractions

• Tactical Positioning

• Chemical Agents

• Facility Shakedowns

• Jail Evacuations

• High Risk Inmate Transport

• K9 operations

• Therapeutic Restraints/Restraint Chair

• Less Lethal Munitions and Noise/Flash Diversionary Devices (flash bangs)

• NYS Penal Law Article 35 – use of force

ACTIVATION:

CERT may be activated for numerous situations.  These include, but are not limited to:

• RIOTS AND INMATE DISTURBANCES

• HOSTAGE SITUATIONS

• ESCAPES

• FIRE SITUATIONS

• NATURAL DISASTERS/MAJOR SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS

• CELL EXTRACTIONS AND CELL INSERTIONS

• ESCORT DUTY FOR HIGH SECURITY RISK INMATES

• SHAKEDOWNS/CELL SEARCHES

• FACILITY EVACUATIONS