While the Carter County Sheriff’s Department is beefing up the County Emergency Response Team, the Ardmore Police Department is taking a reverse approach with the department’s Special Response Team.
APD Chief David Leonardo confirmed the number of team members had been reduced, but reserved comment on specifics.
“We are choosing not to disclose further details of the team such as personnel strength, capabilities or specific training disciplines at this time, as we would prefer not to educate potential criminals as to what methods we might employ against them in a tactical situation,” Leonardo said.
“The purpose of this is not to withhold information from the public, but rather to help maintain the advantage and element of surprise that is often afforded through limited public comments regarding a special unit of this type. We use the same discretion when publicly discussing our narcotics unit, and that discretion has proven to be an essential part of their efficacy.”
According to Robin Beal, City of Ardmore Public Information Officer, the pared-down force, “...comes with the approval of city leaders who considered the results of a study conducted by Berkshire Advisors, Inc. dated May 15, 2007, and which served as an independent and wide-ranging evaluation of the Ardmore Police Department at that time,” adding the “renewed focus of the SRT is on advanced tactics and search warrant execution.”
Capt. Ryan Hunnicutt commands the SRT. He calls the recent downsizing a positive.
“We are restructuring our policies and requirements to meet suggestions from the Berkshire group, input from the city commission, adopt National Tactical Officers Association recognized standards and Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies requirements. These changes are progressive that will make us even more adapted to best serve our community,” Hunnicutt said.
marsha.miller@ardmoreite.com
Marsha Miller 221-6529
