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Politics & Government

Salisbury Considers Joining Municipal Emergency Response Team

Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin encouraged Salisbury commissioners to vote for township police to join Municipal Emergency Response Team, or MERT.

After listening to a presentation Thursday by Lehigh County District Attorney James Martin, the Salisbury Township Board of Commissioners will decide whether township police should join the Municipal Emergency Response Team, or MERT.

MERT, which was established in 2000 and became active in 2002, is a tactical team of police officers from departments across Lehigh County that respond to certain dangerous situations, such as barricaded gunmen or high-rish search warrrants.

Martin said Salisbury had originally signed up to be a part of MERT, but backed out due to insurance concerns.

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MERT often responds to situations involving a barricaded gunman or when police are serving high-risk search warrants, such as when suspects have a history of violence. Martin said MERT helped Salisbury Township police officers two years ago in a case involving a gunman barricaded in a home.

Salisbury Township Police Chief Allen Stiles said MERT was very helpful in that case because the team had special equipment that enabled police to view the gunmen. Stiles said their expertise saved them a lot of time.

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In addition, MERT responded to a call at to assist with a shipment of heavy equipment that contained nuclear rods.

"[MERT] has proven its effectiveness time and time again," said Martin.

To be a part of the team, two Salisbury officers would be chosen to undergo rigorous physical and psychological evaluations and mandatory training for two days each month.

Salisbury would only have to pay for the cost to cover shifts, if necessary, when a MERT officer is training or called out to respond with the team.

Martin said from 2009 to 2011 there have been about 10 call-outs per year and about two hours per officer per year. Training hours were about 271 hours per officer in 2011.

"Our officers would be a real asset to the county team," said Stiles.

Martin said he would like Salisbury to join the team as soon as possible.

Commissioners will discuss and vote on the item at the next meeting, April 26.

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