The Emergency Support Team was created in 1974. The initial training for this unit came from the San Diego and Los Angeles Police Departments, and military forces. The unit was created to handle the highly dangerous and critical incidents facing law enforcement.

Emergency Support Team Organizational Structure

This unit is part of the Field Support and Aviation Section of the Field Operations Division. Lt. David Bower is the Commanding Officer of the unit and directs unit activity and training. Lt. Bower also develops and implements training programs, unit policy, and makes equipment selections. He can be reached at telephone numbers (517) 336-6575, (517) 336-6445, or by fax at (517) 336-6610.

The Emergency Support Team contains tactical and negotiator sub-units. The tactical and negotiator components participate in joint training and work as a cohesive unit in operational calls. The members of the unit are comprised of troopers, sergeants and lieutenants at posts and sections throughout the state. There is an average of 60 members in this unit. Officers are activated according to their proximity to the location of the request. The unit members train three times per year as a unit and monthly in smaller groups based on geographic/organizational boundaries.

Emergency Support Team Function

This unit utilizes equipment and training necessary for extremely difficult and/or dangerous tasks in such areas as hostage rescue, barricaded gunmen, high risk arrest and search warrant service, VIP security, and counter terrorism. The unit is also responsible for deploying chemical munitions and providing specialized training for the department. In addition to highly specialized equipment, the unit has specialized vehicles which serve as equipment pool supplies and command posts, multi-wheel drive vehicles for Michigan's winter weather and armored vehicles for officer protection