The Friends of the Berks County Emergency Response Team

07/12/2025

🚔🚔🚔

🚔 Felony Arrest 🚔

Victor Alicea-Velez, was apprehended and taken into custody in the 1200 block of Cotton Street by members of the Berks County Emergency Response Team and the U.S. Marshal’s Task Force.

Reading police obtained an arrest warrant for Alicea-Velez after investigators said he shot a man in the alley behind a residence.
Alicea-Velez was processed and arraigned at the Berks County Sheriff's Central Booking Center, where bail was set at $250,000 secured. He was subsequently transported to the Berks County Jail.

We thank all agencies involved for their coordinated efforts in bringing this individual into custody.

07/10/2024

Officer Chris High's wife is currently battling cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy. Because of her hospitalization and treatments, Officer High is balancing work, taking care of their five children, and getting his wife to her appointments.

07/09/2024

Please consider supporting one of our teammates as his family battles cancer together. 🚔💜

To benefit the Family of Officer Chris High. Chris High’s Wife is currently ba… Mike Jackson needs your support for Support Officer Chris High's Family Fight

12/15/2023

Thanks for all the support. Congratulations to the winners.

11/17/2023

The Reading Police Department and BCERT (Berks County Emergency Response Team) conducted search warrants at various locations within the City of Reading Thursday in search of 27-year-old Yusuf Scott, following a kidnapping incident that unfolded in the early hours of Thursday, November 16, 2023.

Police say he is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to contact Reading Police Department at 610-655-6116 or contact Crime Alert Berks at 877-373-9913.

Photo taken of BCERT in the 1600 block of Cotton Street. Details: https://berksweekly.com/crime/reading-police-seek-publics-help-locating-armed-and-dangerous-kidnapping-suspect/

11/01/2023

Interested in supporting the Friends of B.C.E.R.T.? Here’s your chance! Connect with a member of the team to purchase your tickets, or email us at [email protected]

09/15/2023

The team had a late night last night!

Authorities say Jovanni Pena shot and killed 18-year-old Dominic Amsbaugh Tuesday in the 1100 block of Amity Street.

08/04/2023

The team was up early this morning!

The raid followed a long investigation.

07/08/2023

A little bit of B.C.E.R.T. history.

June 10--Teamwork. Commitment. Collaboration. These are not just words to the men of the Berks County Emergency Response Team, or BCERT. They are the basic tenets by which they operate. "This isn't your typical go-out-on-patrol thing, so (teamwork) definitely does make a difference," Spring Township...