Berks County Emergency Response Team

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

The Township of Exeter will use their 2009 Congressionally Selected Awards funds to assist in the formation of the Emergency Response Team. The team's goal is to minimize the dangers and risks presented to police officers and other people during the resolution of incidents and the execution of arrest and search warrants in circumstances that have been identified as high risk.

The formation of the Emergency Response Team is to increase the availability of team members to respond to incidents within a greatly reduced timeframe as compared to the current system. At the present time, only two tactical teams are available for the entire state through the Pennsylvania State Police. This relates to a response time that can take hours for the members to arrive at a scene. This extended response time can lead to compromised safety of both police and citizens.

NCA/NCF