(La Porte, IN) - The La Porte Police Department now has an Emergency Response Team.

The department used to have what was previously known as a SWAT team several years ago, but the squad was discontinued. In the past, the La Porte County Sheriff’s Office was relied on to handle hostage negotiations and other highly dangerous situations in the city.

La Porte Police Officer Adam Jaskowiak said the ERT was formed eight months ago.

ERT members had a display of weapons used to bring dangerous situations to a safe resolution during an emergency responder appreciation event Saturday near Valparaiso. The weapons included firearms that shot bean bags, stunning suspects long enough for officers to rush in and grab them, and guns firing rubber bullets.

The team was reassembled as part of the mayor’s and police chief’s desire to bring the department back to full strength.