The Berkshire County Special Response Team is a highly trained, specially equipped unit that is tasked with responding to incidents that exceed the capabilities of standard police resources. BCSRT is Berkshire County’s special operations, or SWAT unit.
BCSRT members are drawn from any full-time county law enforcement agency. Current members represent the Pittsfield, Dalton, North Adams, Lenox and Lee Police Departments. Each team member is trained in one or more specialties and many are instructors in their areas of expertise.
SRT specialties include:
- Weapons of Mass Destruction
- Firearms Instructor
- Less Lethal Munitions Instructor
- Chemical Munitions Instructor
- Tactical Medic
- Vertical Rope Technician
- Mobile Training Team
By policy, the SRT is tasked with following a wide variety of tactical situations, including, but not limited to:
- Riots
- Civil Disturbances
- High risk search and arrest warrants
- Wanted or escaped prisoners
- Barricaded subjects
- Hostage situations
- Dignitary protection
- Emotionally Disturbed Persons
- Search and Rescue
BCSRT currently serves 14 cities and towns in Berkshire County. In addition to the team’s operational expertise, BCSRT has competed in three regional and national SWAT competitions in the past. Recently, the team has become more involved in providing training to other law enforcement personnel and agencies.