BURLINGTON — Burlington Police Chief Thomas P. Browne and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian announced today that 39 local officers recently completed scenario-based training facilitated by the sheriff’s office.
Utilizing the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Mobile Training Center (MTC), Burlington officers were put through a series of video-based scenarios focused on issues including motor vehicle stops and interactions with individuals in mental health crisis. The training included a heavy emphasis on de-escalation, communication skills and officer safety. Following each scenario, BPD trainers and officers assessed and discussed each response.
“The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office is proud to continue our long-running collaboration with Chief Browne and our partners at the Burlington Police Department,” said Sheriff Koutoujian. “This scenario-based training supplements the extensive training that officers across Middlesex County receive on a yearly basis. It requires participants to use the full range of their skills to resolve situations with the least amount of force required and provides instructors the opportunity to offer immediate and comprehensive feedback that officers can take straight back into the field.”’
All officers in the Burlington Police Department are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and about 20 percent of officers have also received Crisis Intervention Training. Burlington Police also emphasize de-escalation training, and have sent eight officers to a 40-hour FBI Crisis Negotiator class, with plans to send more soon.
“Burlington Police are grateful for the support of the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office and for this great opportunity to build upon the past several years of training and work the department has done to emphasize de-escalation,” said Chief Browne. “The ongoing collaboration between our department and the Sheriff’s Office has enabled us to take advantage of this opportunity while officers are on duty, and at no additional training costs.”
Training was conducted on-site in Burlington between March 14-18.
In 2021, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office worked with 32 agencies to facilitate the training including Bedford, Billerica and Concord. Burlington last completed this training in 2015.
