 Imagine responding to a domestic violence call with a highly unstable and violent man in the house or conducting a high risk traffic stop after learning of an armed robbery suspect. What kind of split second decisions do police officers need to make? What does their training guide them to do? How are K-9 police dogs trained and what do they do to assist officers? Members of the community were invited to participate in TRAINING DAY with the Redondo Beach Police Department, hosted by the Redondo Beach Police Foundation on a sunny Saturday morning. After all guests were sworn in as “honorary police officers for a day” by the Police Chief, they were taken through a series of training exercises alongside police and SWAT officers. Special guest Luc Robitaille, President of the LA Kings hockey team, joined the group in experiencing intense video simulated scenarios with laser guns in a firearms training exercise that tested judgement and response time to highly unpredictable situations. Shoot or don’t shoot, was the judgement call everyone had to make in complicated, rapidly evolving situations. Everyone walked away with an increased sense of appreciation for the danger and difficult decisions police officers face everyday on the job. Drones are now being integrated as investigative tools for police, and guests had an opportunity to fly the drones to aid officers in following a suspect on the run. From wearing a protective suit to help train a police dog with his attack and biting tactics, to wearing SWAT gear and throwing a flash bang to detain a violent felony suspect in a simulated scenario, guests experienced a one-of-a-kind day with the men and women of the Redondo Beach Police Department. “TRAINING DAY” was designed to give community members an opportunity to get to know the people behind the badge, learn what police work entails, ask questions, and gain an appreciation for those who wear the uniform. The Hetty Group was proud to be a part of organizing this unique event for the Police Foundation and the community. |
