Acton Police Department completes interactive, scenario-based training facilitated by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office

Middlesex Sheriff Peter J Koutoujian and Interim Acton Police Chief James Cogan today announced that 33 Acton police officers recently completed interactive, scenario-based training utilizing the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Mobile Training Center (MTC).

During the last week of March members of the Acton Police Department participated in a series of video-based scenarios that focused on responses to an array of settings and situations.  These scenarios included traffic stops, domestic situations and cases in which mental health was an underlying factor.

The training scenarios allowed officers to focus on the effective use of de-escalation, communication and other skills.  In addition, officers also participated in an active shooter scenario.  Following each scenario, officers and Acton Police Department trainers discussed and assessed the responses.

“By facilitating this training, we are helping officers reinforce skills and techniques that are critical to effective policing – particularly around communication and de-escalation,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “We’re proud to work closely with Chief Cogan to once again make this training available to our Acton Police Department partners.”

“We appreciate the collaboration and support from the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and Sheriff Koutoujian,” said Chief Cogan.  “The Mobile Training Center is an invaluable training tool for our officers which prepares us for real-life scenarios focusing on de-escalation.  We are always looking to expand our training to better prepare officers and ensure we are providing the best possible service to our community.”

In 2022, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office worked with 29 agencies to facilitate training through the MTC including the Arlington, Burlington, Lexington and Malden Police Departments.

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