Middlesex Sheriff visits Acton Police Department

Middlesex Sheriff Peter Koutoujian stopped by Acton on March 11 to meet with police officials using the Sheriff’s Mobile Training Center (MTC).

“The Mobile Training Center is a valuable piece of equipment used to help law enforcement officials train. The scenarios available to officers accurately portray real life situations they could one day find themselves in, and the interactive capabilities of the technology allow them the opportunity to not only complete their firearms training, but also work on their verbal skills,” said Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian. “In addition, the MTC saves cities and towns money by allowing officers to train in their own communities, reducing overtime and eliminating the need to rent time at a range.”

This is the third consecutive year the Acton Police Department has used the MTC to conduct interactive, scenario-based firearms training. The MTC was purchased by the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office with grant funds in 2010 and more than 2,000 members of the Sheriff’s Office and area law enforcement agencies have used it since it was put into service in 2011.

“I appreciate the Sheriff allowing us to use his Mobile Training Center at no charge. Working through multiple video scenarios using real weapons and ammunition is an excellent way for us to learn the proper response techniques for active shooter situations that officers may find themselves in at any moment,” said Acton Police Chief Frank J. Widmayer III. “These shoot/don’t shoot videos require real life responses for police officers who make traffic stops, handle domestic violence calls, and deal with housebreaks and other potentially violent calls every day. Officers need to know how to cope with violent people and this is an excellent training tool to perfect those skills.”

“I’m proud we are able to provide this tool to our law enforcement partners across the county,” said Koutoujian.