Westford Police Department partners with Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for scenario-based training

Forty-Three (43) members of the Westford Police Department (WPD) recently completed a week of interactive, scenario-based training in partnership with the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office (MSO), utilizing the office’s Mobile Training Center (MTC), Acting Police Chief Mark Chambers and Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced today.

Between April 26-30 members of Westford PD participated in skill building exercises as well as virtual scenarios that allowed officers to train for real-life situations and scenarios through simulations of incidents they may encounter during their daily duties.

“We are always proud to partner with our local law enforcement agencies, and being able to share the MTC with them is invaluable,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “The training the MTC provides is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows officers to utilize all of their tools and trainings in one location. I want to thank Acting Chief Chambers and Westford PD for their partnership in this training.”

The MTC is a specialized trailer that allowed officers one-on-one time to work directly with WPD instructors and MSO deputies.  WPD officers who participated in the training went through a series of scenarios focused on disturbances in business and office settings and calls where mental health was an underlying component. All scenarios place a heavy emphasis on communication and de-escalation skills. Officers also participated in an active shooter scenario.

“The interactive training that is available through the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Mobile Training Center is second to none,” said Acting Chief Mark Chambers. “Having the ability to provide live fire scenario-based training that evolves based upon the officer’s actions, verbal skills and de-escalation tactics was an opportunity that we could not pass up.  The Westford Police Department’s training officers worked with the MSO training staff to provide an intense and meaningful experience that our officers could learn from.”

In 2020, more than 875 officers participated in trainings in the MTC. To date this year, the MTC has already been used by over 300 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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