Author: Greg Thomas
The NC Department of Adult Correction (NCDAC) Division of Community Supervision held its first Emergency Response Team (ERT) Basic Training course at the North Carolina Justice Academy in Salemburg recently. This four-day class prepares probation/parole officers for duties when they’re called to respond to natural disasters, civil unrest, missing persons, or escaped offenders. Training topics include VIPER radio training and scenarios, advanced handgun courses, de-escalation, introduction to incident command, tactical emergency casualty care, and physical fitness challenges. The training is intended to simulate the rigors of a response, with mornings starting at 6 a.m. and not ending until 9 p.m.
As if this wasn’t realistic enough, the students in Class 1 also had to fight the weather. Several inches of snow fell in Salemburg the first night of training which led to the cafeteria closing. Students had to put together their own meals that didn’t require any cooking, while some came prepared with a case of MREs or in one instance, a pound of homemade beef jerky. Students also honed their handgun skills by practicing moving and shooting on a snow-covered range. Despite the challenges, all 22 students passed and will be returning to instruct future classes.
“Community Supervision always stands ready to help our law enforcement partners,” said Tracy K. Lee, NCDAC deputy secretary of Community Supervision. “This ERT training will further enhance our excellent skills and experience when responding to needs in our communities.”
“No two ERT responses are alike, so our officers need to be prepared for a wide variety of situations,” said Tim Gasperson, assistant division director for Division 4, who led the ERT training project. “Successful community support comes from careful planning and ongoing training. These sessions will make our officers even better prepared for their next assignment.”
There are six more trainings scheduled between February and early June which will complete the training for all current ERT members.
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