Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger is forming an Emergency Services Unit comprised of municipal police officers.

Goldinger said in an interview the unit would respond to high-risk situations.

The types of incidents the unit will handle include hostage situations, barricaded gunmen, school violence and civil disturbances.

Goldinger said the unit, which will start with 19 officers, would provide the county a quicker response than waiting for a SWAT team to come from Pittsburgh.

Steve Bicehouse, director of county emergency services, agreed.

“It minimizes delays,” Bicehouse said.