The Special Operation Unit (SOU) is comprised of officers from the Kerrville Police Department, Kerr County Sheriff’s Department and Kerrville Fire and EMS. SOU consists of two parts, Tactical Operations and Crisis Negotiations. Tactical Operators are volunteer officers that are tested and selected through, physical fitness tests, marksmanship and maturity. These officers go on to attend specialized training in fields of close quarters battle, tactical planning, sniper training, tactical medicine as well as a variety of other specialized topics. Crisis Negotiators are selected and trained in specialized training in hostage negotiations, mental health training and intelligence gathering. SOU deploys in critical situations such as barricaded individuals, hostage situations, and high risk search warrants. This unit has been an invaluable asset to the community, enhancing the safety of the citizens of Kerrville and Kerr County.