The ultimate goal of the team is to end a situation with no injuries to any persons involved, and a minimum of property damage. Members of the team are volunteers from all divisions of the police department. They must meet standards before being selected to the team. This includes a fitness standard, shooting standards and passing an interview process with EST commanders. The unit trains together at least once a month.
Members also attend any specialized training that become available and is financially feasible.
Negotiators during a recent training session. A shield team approaches a building. Some of the team at a training session. EST vehicle in the background.