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Corrections Division Units

Emergency Response Team | Training Unit | Transportation Unit | K-9 Unit

Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT)

The Sheriff's Emergency Response Team (SERT)was established in 1990. The team  today consists of 23 specialized trained staff. Throughout the team's tenure, they have participated in numerous high risk, high security transports and trials. One of their main functions is to conduct institutional shakedowns on a regular basis.

SERT is now actively working in the facility on a daily basis. SERT members are assigned to handle institutional problems, escort inmates to and from housing units and are prepared at a moments notice to quell problems before they escalate. From time to time SERT is called upon to handle crowd/riot control for requesting agencies. In 2007, SERT was involved with the transportation of 229 inmates from the facility on Golden Hill to U.C.L.E.C. The move was accomplished in 7 hours without incident. 

Training Unit

1. An ongoing in house in-service training program
2. Search for outside applicable training courses or seminars.

The Corrections Division has one Supervisor designated to oversee the training needs for the Corrections Division. This supervisor is responsible to see that all new members receive the mandated 160-hour basic training, within one year from date of hire, as well as peace officer training. In addition all new members must complete a field training officer program, supervised by the training unit.

The Corrections Division is accredited by the New York State Sheriff's Association. To maintain this accreditation, the training officer must ensure that all staff receives the amount of training prescribed by the accreditation standards.

Each member of the Sheriff's Office / Corrections Division receives a minimum of 21 hours in-service training each year. The training consists of topics which include: firearms, use-of-force and defensive tactics, suicide prevention, legal issue updates, CPR / First Aid, fire prevention and evacuation, effective communication skills, as well as additional county mandated training.

Each member also receives a 40-hour training course in Direct Supervision. This training includes, but is not limited to the principles of direct supervision, managing a direct supervision housing unit, supervisory techniques, officers as leaders, managing inmate behavior and conflict resolution.

Many members have been trained and certified by the NYS Commission of Correction and the NYS Division of Criminal Justice Services in specialized instruction and general topics. They serve as in-service training and Correction Officer Academy instructors, in addition to their regular duties. Outside training is sought and provided regularly when topics and need are relevant and support the mission of the Sheriff.

The Corrections Division training unit has also remained very involved assisting other agencies. We have sponsored several Correction Officer Basic Academy including the Peace Officer certification as well as Supervisor Schools and Instructor Development Courses. Instructors have also assisted other agencies in the fields of legal issues, essential services, defensive tactics, gang intelligence, report writing, firearms and MPTC training. We also participate in career days and K-9 presentations with local schools and senior citizen organizations.

GANG INTELLIGENCE UNIT  

In an effort to combat this growing gang presence, the Gang Intelligence Unit gathers and validates information regarding individuals identified as members of Security Risk Groups.  The Ulster County Sheriff’s Office Gang Intelligence Unit works closely with the Ulster Regional Gang Enforcement Narcotics Team (URGENT).  Upon admission, inmates are assessed based on self-admission, tattoos, clothing colors, beads, and hand signs.  The information gathered allows the facility to better plan searches and adjust inmate housing and work assignments to avoid potentially violent situations.

Transportation Unit

K-9 Unit

The Sheriff's Office Corrections Division K9 Unit consists of a "passive response" NYS certified narcotics detector team. Corrections Officer - K9 Handler Duane Caunitz and his partner K9 Brok patrol the facility and grounds on a daily basis. Both can be especially busy on visiting days.

K9 Brok, a passive response narcotics detector dog, has been trained to alert at the presence of a variety of illegal substances by immediately assuming the sitting position. This passive alert type of notification allows CO Caunitz to utilize K9 Brok in the screening of correctional facility visitors.

CO Caunitz and K9 Brok are also a NYS certified tracking team. As such, the team is consistently able to follow a human scent through vegetation as well as over hard surfaces such a concrete or blacktop. Both handler and K9 routinely train with the members of the Sheriff's Office Criminal Division K9 teams.