Meredith Scott

1. How is the Response Tactical Team utilized within your jails?
• Respond to emergencies such as critical incidents, disturbances, cell extractions, and other security emergencies to restore order.
• Conduct high-risk inmates escorts, contraband searches, perimeter checks/security
• High Risk hospital guard duty details
2. What is the selection process and/or the criteria and requirements to qualify for the team?
• The CERT selection process consist of three phases: (1) submission of an application following the position posting, (2) successful completion of CERT tryouts, which include a physical agility assessment and firearms qualification, and (3) an oral interview.
• To be eligible to apply for a CERT position, applicants must be non-probationary employees with a minimum of two consecutive years of continuous service with the agency.
3. Is the team a stand-alone unit, or are members assigned to posts and activated/deployed to specific areas as needed?
• Our CERT members are a stand-alone unit and respond and or activated based on critical incidents.
4. How frequently are team members trained?
• Each CERT member is required to complete 40 hours of annual in-service training. Additional, each member receives 40 hours of specialized CERT training each year, including a minimum of 16 hours dedicated to emergency response and tactical operations.
• Our unit currently has two K9’s assigned. K9 handlers participate in weekly ongoing training to maintain proficiency in detection, obedience, and operational deployment.
5. Is there supplemental pay for team members?
• CERT is designated a specialty unit. Members selected receive an additional 5% specialty pay.
• CERT members assigned as K9 handlers receive an additional $325 biweekly K9 pay supplement.

We have a group of nine attendees from the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office planning to attend the upcoming FLA PAC Conference. I’ve made hotel reservations for all nine under my email address (yebbaa@pbso.org) as I am responsible for managing the billing and payment for the group, and I wanted to confirm that these bookings will not be affected by any agency-specific room restrictions.
Please note that the group represents different departments within our agency, and these individuals consistently attend the conference each year.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter. Please let me know if any additional information is needed to ensure the reservations remain in good standing.

Greetings and Happy Holidays! I have attached out GO regarding the Field Training Program. Please feel free to call us if you require any additional information.