The state-of-the-art training center is used by the police academy and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
HOPEWELL TOWNSHIP -- A four-year project to improve and expand the county's firearms training facility is now complete, Acting Prosecutor Angelo Onofri announced.
The state-of-the-art training center is used by the police academy and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.
"Law enforcement agencies today are faced with the need to meet unprecedented physical, moral and legal challenges when training officers who are required to deploy their firearms in the line of duty," Onofri said. "Firearms training for law enforcement demands more than mastering the fundamentals of marksmanship. It is a continuous process that begins in the police academy and continues throughout one's career."
The $500,000 project was paid for through a combination of general county budget funds and forfeiture funds from the prosecutor's office, Onofri said.
Below are some of the highlights:
Exterior lights installed for night shooting
A large number of police-involved shootings occur where there is low light, ambient light or no light. Stadium lighting was added to supplement low-light training.
Training center
A center with lockers, a 40-seat classroom and offices for visiting instructors was built. The classroom also has a "smart" television for interactive training, where officers can complete instruction on topics like car chases and use of force.
Laser shot room
Laser shot is an interactive training system that simulates real-life scenarios and better prepares officers for encounters where the use of deadly force may be used.
Ballistic wall
The number of shooting lanes was expanded from 12 to 24 and are split into two 12-lane ranges. The right side also has turning targets that turn toward and away from the shooter and allows officers to practice shooting at moving targets or multiple targets at one time.
Observation tower
The tower gives instructors a better view of the exercises.
Live-fire shoot house
The shoot house is made of steel, which allows officers to use live ammunition. Steel bullet trap target holders can be moved within the structure and doors were added to help officers train in entering rooms. The shoot house gives police an opportunity to deal with active shooter threats, ambush-style attacks and lone wolf-style terrorist attacks.
Cristina Rojas may be reached at crojas@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @CristinaRojasTT. Find The Times of Trenton on Facebook.