Medford PD, Middlesex Sheriff partner on interactive, scenario-based training

Eighty-eight members of the Medford Police Department recently completed interactive, scenario-based training in partnership with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO), Police Chief Jack Buckley and Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced today.

The MSO’s Mobile Training Center (MTC) provides officers an opportunity to train for responses to incidents they may encounter during their duties.  Middlesex Sheriff’s Office personnel that operate the MTC can provide unique scenarios for each user to test their communications, de-escalation and firearms skills.

The MTC was in Medford for 10 days from September 21 – October 2, allowing officers from across the department to participate in the training.  This is the second consecutive year Medford PD has utilized the MTC, with trainers once again focusing on communications and de-escalation skills.

“We’re proud to once again work with Chief Buckley and the members of the Medford Police Department to facilitate this important training,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.  “In the MTC, officers train to respond to scenarios they may encounter at any moment ranging from domestic disturbances to car stops and calls for individuals in mental health crisis, among others.  Most importantly, officers are able to receive feedback from their own departmental instructors, who can evaluate their responses in real time.”

“Our officers are being trained in a variety of de-escalation and communication techniques using real world scenarios,” said Chief Buckley.  “These training simulations are intertwined with emotion and human interactions which allow our officers to witness the effectiveness de-escalation can have on volatile situations.  I am grateful for the cooperation and partnership between the City of Medford, the Middlesex Sheriff and his officers and staff. Their assistance helped to greatly reduce the cost of this valuable training.”

The MTC was purchased by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office with federal grant funds in 2010 and has been utilized by numerous local municipal and university police departments.  In 2019, two dozen agencies including police departments in Acton, Lawrence and Malden, as well as the Essex County Sheriff’s Department utilized the MTC.

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Photo Caption:  Medford Police Chief Jack Buckley (from left), Medford Mayor Breanna Lungo-Koehn and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian visited the Mobile Training Center (MTC) on Tuesday, September 22, 2020.