Programs

Special Response Team
Helping to keep Sherman safe, the Sherman Police Department has a "Special Response Team". Negotiators, counter snipers and an entry team comprise the team. Each member has received state certified training in areas such as Crisis Negotiations, Hazardous Warrant Service and Special Weapons, and Tactics.

Our Special Response Team’s primary objective is to bring about a peaceful resolution to crisis situations that pose a threat to the life and safety of any citizen.

Bicycle Patrol
The Sherman Police Department’s bike unit was formed in 1997 with only one officer. Now the department has nine officers certified to ride bicycles while on patrol. The bike program has increased visibility of officers thereby making them more accessible to the public, especially the youth.

Officers have stated that the interaction that they have with the public is tremendous. The youth even take the time to challenge the officer to a race on the bikes.

The bike officers enhance the department's Community Policing Philosophy. This continued interaction results in the citizens informing the officer of problems, as well as positive activities occurring in their neighborhoods.

Bicycle officers also have a stealth advantage because they are silent and can ride up on crimes in progress before the criminals even realize the police are in the area. In outdoor special events such as parades and football games, the bike officers are able to cover a lot more area than an officer assigned to foot patrol. The bike program is a tremendous asset to the police department and will continue to grow with the agency.

K-9 Unit
The Sherman Texas Police Department provides trained canines to assist in the prevention and detection of crime, and the apprehension of criminals.

While the K-9 Team's primary responsibilities are the safe apprehension of serious criminal offenders, the timely discovery of evidence, the protection of the public and officers, and the search for missing persons, they also serve as a link between the department and the community.

The use of K-9 units in demonstrations, exhibitions, and special events opens lines of communication and understanding. The presence of the K-9 stimulates conversation and serves as a link between the officer and the community. During these events, the K-9 officer uses his/her K-9 to educate the community regarding K-9 operations and community expectations.

The Sherman Police K-9 Unit began operation in 1989 with funding provided by grants, donations and local taxpayers. The Sherman Police K-9 Unit is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The unit operates throughout the City of Sherman and Grayson County. Currently, the unit consists of two teams.

Currently the Department utilizes two German Shepherds. This breed is selected due to its intelligence, strength and loyalty. Each dog underwent extensive training with its handler. A Master Trainer with the North American Police Work Dog Association conducted the initial training.

The teams are dual certified in Patrol work and Narcotics detection. The police service dog teams are able to:

• track and find wanted criminals or missing persons in urban, rural or rugged wooded areas
• search all types of buildings for criminals in hiding
• search for evidence or property connected with a crime
• search for illegal drugs that have been hidden
• apprehend criminals escaping arrest who may be armed and dangerous
• act as a deterrent and back up in dangerous situations such as fights, riots and disturbances.

Critical Accident Investigation Team
The Sherman Police Department’s Critical Accident Investigation Team (C.A.I.T.) investigates fatal or near fatal accidents within the City of Sherman. CAIT was implemented in 1997 after a 100% increase in the number of fatal traffic accidents in Sherman.

The Critical Accident Investigation Team currently consists of four officers and one sergeant. The CAIT members receive special training enabling them to conduct a more thorough investigation of the accident. CAIT members have a SOKKIA Total Station which when used together with Forensic Scene Mapping enables the team to work a fatal accident scene efficiently and effectively. These state-of-the-art technologies substantially decrease the time citizens are inconvenienced by road closures and increase the safety of the officers and those that are involved in the accident.

Members of the Critical Accident Investigation Team as well as several investigators with the Criminal Investigations Division attended training in the use of the Total Station and Forensic Scene Mapping.

Klown Kompany

Safe Place

Safe Place Locations in Sherman - updated 2/19/2003

Citizens Public Safety Academy
The Citizens Public Safety Academy has been discontinued as of September 1, 2003.

Volunteers

The Sherman Police Department offers opportunities to citizens who wish to volunteer their time and talents to the department. The department has established a partnership with the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), targeting senior citizens within the community who are interested in volunteering.

Volunteers perform a wide range of receptionist and clerical duties. For more information, contact Betty Boone at the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. The telephone number is (903) 813-3587.