(626)580-2190

Lieutenant George Hopkins, Team Commander
Sergeant Richard Cano, Team Leader

The El Monte Police Department’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) was formed in 1996. 

SERT provides protection to the El Monte public by responding to unforeseen and potentially violent incidents within the city.  SERT also provides mutual aid to law enforcement agencies in the San Gabriel Valley area.  

The mission of SERT is to provide a quick response to specialized emergency situations involving law enforcement public safety incidents, which require personnel, coordination, equipment and training beyond the scope of regular patrol forces. 

The primary purpose of SERT is to save lives.  This includes both law enforcement personnel and members of the community.  This is accomplished through the deployment of selected personnel who are trained in special tactics and equipped with the appropriate resources.

SERT is available as an additional resource to the Detective Bureau and Patrol Division to assist in dealing with barricaded suspects, hostage situations, arrest or search warrants, executive and witness protection, criminal disturbances or other situations which require an immediate resource of tactical personnel, or at the discretion of the Chief of Police.