Special Response Team Ensures Readiness for 2026

Preparedness is one of the police division’s guiding principles, ensuring the division is ready for any challenge.

Specifically, in 2025 members of the Special Response Team (SRT) participated in rigorous, scenario-based training designed to enhance both tactical and medical capabilities in high-stakes environments.

Packing wounds and applying tourniquets are among the advanced skills that must be mastered by highly specialized team members who complete the Basic Tactical Operational Medical Support course, a 60-plus-hour immersive program that trains law enforcement personnel to operate safely and effectively in tactical situations. Successful completion of the course comes with certification in Tactical Combat Casualty Care and equips our participants with emergency medical training for law enforcement operations.

“Hands-on experience and exposure to tactical and medical equipment aim to ensure our team members are able to take life-saving measures in complex situations,” said Sergeant Scott Barnwell, the division’s SRT lead.

The course is recognized for continuing education credits through both Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and Peace Officer Standards and Training, underscoring the program’s professional rigor and relevance.

In addition to medical and tactical skill development, SRT focuses on firearms proficiency through intensive pistol and rifle drills, reinforcing precision, safety, and decision-making under pressure.

The team conducts specialized preparedness training at For example, in May 2025 SRT conducted a session focused on potential threats involving hazardous materials, active incidents, and the protection of sensitive research operations. By participating in a guided tour of the facility and attending a detailed presentation from Police Captain Wayne Smith and MD Anderson personnel, SRT members enhanced their situational awareness and understanding of site-specific risks, access points, and critical infrastructure.

“These trainings not only bolster individual skills but also strengthen interagency collaboration and coordination with on-site staff,” Barnwell said.

By combining tactical, medical, and site-specific preparedness exercises, UT Police ensures that its officers remain proactive, professional, and fully prepared to respond effectively to complex incidents.

Beyond specialized response capabilities, SRT training supports the overall mission of UT Police.

The division’s comprehensive approach to training reflects its ongoing commitment to safety, readiness, and operational excellence.

Lessons learned through scenario-based exercises, medical readiness, and site-specific planning reinforce best practices that are applied across the division. This layered approach to training ensures that officers at every level are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to respond decisively, protect critical infrastructure, and maintain a safe environment for the community.