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The
Summerville Police Department’s tactical team is commonly
referred to as the Emergency Services Unit (ESU) and has
progressed significantly since its inception in 1998. Our ESU
is a proven, important resource for the department and is a
part-time assignment for its members.
Recognizing that the presence of a highly trained, highly
skilled, tactical unit substantially reduces the risk of injury
or loss of life to citizens, police officers and suspects. Also
recognizing that an appropriately managed “team” response to
critical incidents usually results in successful resolution of
critical incidents; it is the intent of the ESU to enhance the
safety of our community. We accomplish this goal by providing
specialized response and immediate assistance by highly trained
personnel during periods of civil unrest, emergencies and high
risk events.
Our ESU has an authorized strength of sixteen
members; supervised by Lieutenant Robert Catlett, designated the
tactical commander. Absent exigent circumstances, the team is
deployed at the direction of the chief of police.
Members of
the ESU serve on a volunteer basis; must have a minimum of two
years law enforcement experience, pass a physical fitness test
and meet specific weapons proficiency criteria. Upon attaining
these qualifications and proficiencies, individuals are selected
for team membership.
The Summerville Police Department ESU has
proven its utility as a tool for the agency and community. This
unit is constantly seeking new techniques, continuing advanced
training and procuring equipment for its benefit and use. Our
goal is to obtain new ideas and methods from training and
working with as well as observing other law enforcement
agencies. The ESU works closely with the Dorchester County
Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team (SERT) in addition to
Charleston City, Charleston County and other lowcountry law
enforcement agencies' S.W.A.T. Teams.
More ESU photos
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