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Emergency Dial 911, Portsmouth Police Department, 3 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801, Tel: (603) 427-1500 |
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Specialty Units ERT  Welcome to the Portsmouth Police Department's Emergency Response Team web page! You obviously made it here because you are interested in knowing more about this specialized unit, why we have it and how it works. The Emergency Response Team is also referred to as ERT. Other titles for this type of unit include but are not limited to SWAT, SRT, SERT and SOU. As you navigate through these pages, you will develop an understanding of how important this unit is and how it integrates with the normal everyday procedures of police work.
Who We Are The Emergency Response Team is comprised of 12 highly skilled and trained patrol Officers and Detectives who are selected to handle incidents that would require operations above and beyond the normal capabilities of regular police functions. The selection process to this team includes a lengthy written test (which covers the history of the team and its structure), a firearms qualifications course in which the participant must score 90% or better, a very physical obstacle course and an oral board examination. Once selected, the new member is on probationary status for 1 year. During this time frame, the new member trains to become acclimated with the procedures of the team and usage of the weaponry deployed during an operation. Team's Functions Emergency Response Situations are those involving a sniper, barricaded criminal(s), hostage situations, terrorist activities, violent mass disobedience(s), VIP security and other activities which are beyond the capability of standard police tactics, training and resources. In order to respond to these situations, the Portsmouth Police Department has devised an Emergency Response Program and Response Team. The Emergency Response Program specifically addresses policies and procedures, organization, planning and training directed at the management or neutralization of Emergency Response Situations. The mandate of the Emergency Response Team is the protection of life and property and the apprehension or neutralization of the criminal(s) involved through application of trained, programmed reaction and tactics designed to stabilize the situation, reduce tension, suppress overreaction and if possible, cause the suspect(s) to surrender without further violence or resistance. Training Currently the ERT is training twice a month, which is the minimum standard set by the National Tactical Officers Association. Each member of the team has a specific duty which includes specialty training. Some members are certified trainers in the use of non lethal force while others are trained as counter snipers. Some members are certified trainers in the use of gas and munitions. Members of the team are sent to schools throughout New England, sometimes beyond, to enhance their skills and bring them back to teach to the rest of the team. The ERT also trains in the use of rappelling, tactical rappelling and dwelling entries (dynamic and covert). These types of training are coupled with the use of handguns, sub-machine guns and other long guns. Continuous, repetitive training keeps all ERT officers sharp and fluid. During the year, the ERT participates in SWAT competitions located in Dover N.H. and at the Camp Curtis Guild located in Reading Massachusetts. This competition is known as the North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council or NEMLEC. Here the ERT puts together their team drive, commitment and excellence and competes against teams from all over the country. |
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Emergency Dial 911, Portsmouth Police Department, 3 Junkins Avenue, Portsmouth, NH 03801, Tel: (603) 427-1500 |