Each special team supports the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) mission in an important way. Team member participation in these teams is voluntary and requires an application and interview process, as well as participation in ongoing trainings. Each team is held in a constant state of readiness to respond.
Click on the drop downs below to learn more about the purpose of each special team.
CERT is used for quick and decisive handling of an emergency where a show of force, containment and/or crowd control utilizing less-lethal tactics and equipment. This team is trained in the use of the advanced shotgun, advanced mini-14 rifle, chemical agents and other defensive weapons. CERT can be utilized to protect property, team integrity and to prevent escape.
CNT is used as the first response to reducing tensions among the incarcerated population and to resolve situations involving barricaded subjects, suicide attempts and hostage taking.
The Honor Guard Unit may be activated to serve as pallbearers or as an honor unit at funerals/memorial services for active or retired NDCS team members, when requested. The Color Guard may be activated to perform at facility dedications, groundbreakings, staff retirements, parades, conferences and other activities, as requested.
SORT is used to gather operational intelligence information and to conduct high-risk tactical operations where serious bodily injury or death is imminent and lethal force may be required to resolve the situation.
This team responds to NDCS staff members and their families when an employee is assaulted in the line of duty, provides peer-to-peer support and community referrals to employees and their families in times of need and delivers resilience-promoting interventions to staff members and their families prior to, during and following a critical incident.
Kevin Tranmer, SERVES Coordinator
Email: kevin.tranmer@nebraska.gov
(531) 510-6914