Hartford Police Department
Emergency Response Team

Lieutenant James Bernier, Commander
860-757-4036

2008 Videos of ERT in Training: 
WFSB TV 3 News Report;  WVIT NBC 30 News Report

The “Emergency Response Team” is the Hartford Police Department’s version of S.W.A.T. The team has an authorized strength of 25 Officers from all bureaus of the Department. These Officers are “on call” 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on a voluntary basis. They are tasked with the responsibility of bringing positive outcomes to High Risk incidents while minimizing the risk to the citizens of the City of Hartford and other officers.  

HPD Emergency Response Team

All officers of the Team are hand selected through a rigorous process and are required to complete a 40+ hour Basic SWAT school along with attending two days a month of specialty training.  This is coupled with mandatory monthly qualifications on all weapons.  The Sniper element of the Team trains an additional one day a month to further ensure their readiness.

From 2007 through 2009 the Hartford Police E.R.T. conducted 168 tactical operations in and around the City of Hartford and capital region.  These missions ranged from Hostage and Barricaded Persons to Arrest and  Search Warrant Services to Dignitary Protection Details for individuals such as the President and Vice President of the United States.

The Hartford Police Department's Emergency Response Team (ERT) is a group of highly dedicated, professional police officers committed to the preservation of life and ensuring the safety of the citizens and visitors of the City of Hartford and the entire capital region. The ERT members carry these ideals with them every day while obtaining this level of commitment through continuous training and utilization of the latest technology in advanced weapon and rescue systems. The ERT has the ability to rapidly respond to any hostile or volatile situation within the city limits or any municipality requesting Hartford Police ERT assistance.