Special Operations Response Team

Special Operations Response Team (or SORT) is the highly trained tactical unit of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), a federal law enforcement agency under the United States Department of Justice. It's used to address unconventional and high-risk situations at American federal prisons, such as movement of high-risk or high-profile inmates, protective details for visitors, riot control within a federal prison, and assisting other law enforcement agencies during emergencies.

The BOP is responsible for maintaining the custody of anyone convicted of committing a federal crime. To achieve this goal, the BOP maintains many correctional facilities, which are divided into six regions, throughout the United States These facilities house approximately 211,195 inmates of varying security levels. Facilities are designated as either minimum, medium, maximum, or the most recent addition, supermax. To help maintain security within facilities under its control, the BOP has formed some specialized tactical and emergency response units. Operating under the direct control of the BOPs Office of Emergency Preparedness, these units consist of a Special Operations Response Team, or SORT; a Disturbance Control Team; and a Hostage Negotiation Team.

The Office of Emergency Preparedness was established in May 1990 and oversees the BOP's SORT program and coordinates emergency response capabilities. It also acts as a liaison office with other agencies during crisis situations.