Arlington Police Department partners with Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for two weeks of scenario-based training

Members of the Arlington Police Department (APD) recently completed two weeks of interactive, scenario-based training in partnership with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO), utilizing the office’s Mobile Training Center (MTC), Police Chief Juliann Flaherty and Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced today.

"We are grateful for our partnership with the MSO and for the opportunity to use the simulator to complete this training,” said Chief Flaherty. “Over the past two weeks, APD officers have been able to train in real-life critical scenarios using the de-escalation tools and skills they have previously developed through the Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics Training."

Between May 17 - 28, more than 55 Arlington Police officers participated in skill building exercises as well as virtual scenarios that allowed officers to train for real-life situations they may encounter during their daily duties.

Scenarios that officers focused on included domestic disturbances, night time traffic stops, and one where mental health was an underlying factor.  Officers additionally trained on bank robbery response and an active school shooter situation. The MTC allows officers to go through the scenarios and immediately debrief and receive one-on-one feedback from APD instructors and MSO deputies.

“I want to thank Chief Flaherty for the opportunity to once again partner with Arlington PD to offer this valuable training,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “I also appreciated the opportunity to speak with Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine and Select Board Member Eric Helmuth during a visit to the MTC where they were able to see this training first-hand.”

In 2020, more than 875 officers participated in trainings in the MTC. To date this year, the MTC has already been used by over 350 municipal officers from agencies including the Tyngsborough, Billerica, Bedford, Concord, Acton, Hopkinton, Stoneham and Medford Police Departments.

The MTC was purchased by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office with federal grant funds in 2010.

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