The NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit (ESU) isa combined Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team and an elite urban rescueoperation.

The few who make the cut and are selectedfor the ESU become highly trained, elite members of New York’s police force,qualified to perform counter-narcotic and counter-terror operations.

The ESU provides escort to the Presidentof the United States, as well as other world leaders and foreign dignitaries.This duty may require the involvement of Counter Assault Teams, Counter SniperTeams or WMD Response Teams.

The ESU is organised into 10 similarlysized and resourced squads spread throughout New York’s five boroughs.

In January 2012, there were 366 officersassigned to the ESU , which is a unit within the NYPD’s Special OperationsDivision.

In order to qualify for ESU membership, anofficer requires a minimum tenure of 5 years as an NYPD officer beforeconsideration, as well as a number of proven specialist skills.

ESU officers are cross-trained in advancedtactics, VIP protection, counter terrorism, hostage negotiation, helicopterrescue, scuba diving and advanced first aid.

An ESU officer must pass 22 tests to earnassignment to the ESU. These tests include high angle rope rescue, tacticalrappelling, and the extraction of trapped people from all manner of damagedequipment, including vehicles, trains, scaffolding, cranes and elevators.

After seven months of Specialized TrainingSchool, an ESU officer is a certified EMT-Basic, a HAZMAT/WMD Technician, and aPADI certified open water search-and-rescue diver. They can also be accepted to the NYPD/FBI CounterSniper Training Schools.