Emergency Service Unit

Emergency Services Unit (E.S.U.) responds to all emergencies within the department, both on and off Rikers Island. ESU responds to various incidents, including fire emergencies, high security inmate transport, riot control, inmate escapes, tactical security operations,  cell extractions, perimeter security/response, confined space rescue, vehicle emergencies (i.e. vehicle accidents,).  ESU also responds to all emergency drills (i.e. Fire Evacuation, Yard Drills), provides EMT response, and assists the Port Authority with possible air disasters or related events that may arise. 

Other duties include, assist the Special Operations Division with security breaches (red and orange alerts) and enhance security for Rikers Island during emergencies. ESU is readily available to participate in all scheduled and unscheduled searches, and respond to all jail-based incidents. ESU is also responsible for the distribution, repair and maintenance of the departmental chemical agents supply, and provide chemical agent training for new recruits, in-service training, and facility training on Cell Extractions, Defensive Tactics, Cuffing and Escort Procedures.