The Dutchess County Sheriff's Office Emergency Services Unit (ESU) was developed in 2004 after recognizing that the presence of a specially trained Emergency Services Unit has shown to substantially reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to citizens.
Deputy Sheriff’s/Police Officers and suspects, recognizing that a well managed “team” response to critical incidents usually results in successful resolution of critical incidents, it is the intent of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit to provide a specially trained and skilled tactical team as a resource for the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office in the handling of critical incidents.
The mission of the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit is to support the Sheriff’s Office or other requesting police agencies with tactical response to critical Incidents such as, Hostage rescue, Barricade subjects, Marksman Situations, High-Risk Apprehension, High-Risk Warrant Service, Violent Emotionally Disturbed Persons and Special Assignments such as dignitary protection or other any assignments, approved by the Sheriff of Dutchess County based upon a high level of threat.
Members of the unit are patrol Deputy Sheriffs who also perform this specialized work. ESU members go through a selection process that includes firearms, physical fitness and decision-making testing. Once assigned to the unit, members attend a basic special weapons and tactics course. After the basic training, members attend regular training including less lethal weapons and control devices, tactical team movements, hostage rescue techniques, advanced firearms training, active shooter, chemical agents and civil disturbance, and nighttime operations.
In the past, the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Services Unit has handled and assisted other police agencies in handling several incidents throughout Dutchess County and adjoining counties.
