TPD readies Emergency Response Team
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TAYLORVILLE — In the last few months, the Taylorville Police Department (TPD) has been planning an Emergency Response Team (ERT). The team is members of the Taylorville Police Department, Kincaid Police Department and Assumption Police Department. The reason TPD started this team is to be ready if a major inci- dent occurs in our city or County. The team would be ready for action 24 hours a day.
TPD also started the ERT because of Liability concerns. They want to have trained members on this team. TPD has set new poli- cies in place and built a command structure. Each member must pass a physi- cal agility test, shooting test and is required to go to the 40-hour swat school before they can be a member. The members must also train together monthly. The ER T currently has ten members and is growing.
Most counties or cities have a ERT team or Swat Team. TPD did ask the Sheriff’s Office to join so it can be a county wide program, but they have not committed yet. TPD hopes they do, as their involvement would benefit all. TPD has a great working relationship with the County and will assist if called. The State Police Swat Team is TPD’s main resource when it comes to active shooters and barricaded subjects.
TPD wanted to have a team to help our city and county with a major incident until other resources arrive. When it comes to search warrants, TPD is very active in that area and State Police Swat covers many counties and have certain criteria’s when it comes to executing a warrant. TPD also has a great relationship with the State Swat Team, and have used a facility where they train. TPD had this program several years ago and with all that is going on in today’s environment, they wanted to have trained individuals on this team for safety. TPD also has a local company in Taylorville that is helping fund the team with new uniforms, plates, weapons and other accessories for safety. TPD are very humbled by and thank them. It will save us thousands of dollars. Safety and protecting the City and County is TPD’s number one priority.
