The City of Washington, Indiana

In the realm of law enforcement, encompassing scenarios such as riotous activities, hostage situations, barricaded subjects, high-risk warrant executions, and apprehension of dangerous felons, the paramount objective is the safeguarding of lives and property. In steadfast pursuit of this mission, the Washington Police Department proudly maintains an Emergency Response Team (E.R.T.).

Comprising a cadre of highly skilled and specially trained police officers drawn from within the ranks of the Washington Police Department, the E.R.T. stands ready to respond to any incident necessitating the use of specialized weapons, equipment, and tactics.

Distinguished by expertise in sniper operations, hostage negotiations, explosive breaching, deployment of chemical munitions and less-lethal weapons, as well as close-quarter combat, the E.R.T. operates under the direct supervision of a dedicated team commander and assistant team commander, vested with governing authority emanating from the Chief of Police.

The overarching mission of the E.R.T. is to function as a specialized, mobile, and adaptable unit, offering support in containment, de-escalation, and ultimate control of situations that surpass the capabilities of today's standard police officer.