Great Lakes police and security forces train for the unexpected

Last Wednesday over 13 personnel composed of civilian law enforcement personnel, U.S. Navy master-at-arms and federal civilian police officers participated in sustainment training, a required course that must be completed each year.
    On the third day of the five-day training agenda, the class convened at the parking lot north of Gate 3. The day's script called for simulated traffic stops, felony shooter traffic stopsat Gate 3, police calls and active shooter force-on-force scenarios at Bldg. 132H. Lt. Robert Schultz, instructor, Great Lakes Police Department, oversaw all training.
    "The individuals involved in this training are the men and women who patrol the naval station, guard our gates, enforce the laws, and are our first line of defense," Schultz said. "Training is critical if they are to better serve the Great Lakes community. The training never stops from rookie to veteran."
    For instance, back in November 2011 the Great Lakes Bulletin published a story about police and security force training that included classroom, self defense, weapons use, firearms range safety, operation, and marksmanship and extensive "active-shooter" training that was part of the Navy Security Forces Sentry Course.
    In February 2012 a second class delivered extensive training, that included small-arms handgun safety, security fundamentals, vehicle inspection, individual search/handcuffing, "active-shooter" training, courtroom security and communication skills.
    "Communication was stressed throughout that course," Schultz added. "If you can't relate, you are in trouble, while verbal skills are important, body language is vital as it delivers up to 80 percent of the message you are trying to convey."