The E.R.T. responds to very specific types of high risk calls, including:

Barricaded Subjects
A type of call where a person who has either committed a crime or is to be taken into custody for other reasons has barricaded themselves in their home, refused to allow themselves to be taken into custody, and given some indication they have armed themselves.

Hostage Calls
Any call in which people have been taken hostage.

High Risk Warrant Service
E.R.T. assists investigators in the service of search and arrest warrants where information has been received that the subject of the warrant is armed or is a previous violent offender.

Civil Disturbances
E.R.T. has been trained in various methods of crowd control and will respond to civil disturbances which require disbandment.

Positions on the Emergency Response Team
There are many unique assignments and responsibilities that are involved with the Emergency Response Team. Some of these positions, but not all, are listed below:

Omni Man:  Responsible for special equipment necessary for the mission, including chemical agents, specialty impact munitions, breaching tools, etc.

Rear Security/Tools:  Protects the team from attack from the rear. Responsible for breaching duties during dynamic operations.

Marksman:  Provides long rifle support. Communicates intelligence to Commander and Team Leaders regarding suspect's activities.

Negotiator:  Attempts to contact and negotiate with the suspect and relay intelligence to ERT.


The E.R.T. is supervised by Sgt. Doug Teunissen, and assisted by the Team Leader, Officer Eric Edson and Assistant Team Leader, Officer Shannon McKay. The other officers on the team are all full- time patrol officers, who volunteered and were selected as E.R.T. members, as an additional duty assignment. In addition, the Sheboygan Police Department does have three trained negotiators  and two trained marksmen on the E.R.T. Team. 

The E.R.T. is committed to the peaceful resolution of high risk conflicts. The officers on the team are highly trained professionals who employ a wide variety of skills and tools to resolve serious incidents while mitigating the need for deadly force. The team has also been active in the community in developing programs to respond to the nation- wide increase in school and workplace violence.