Page 67 - 2020 A Year in Review

position shooting, reloading drills, and malfunction situations, officers participated in

room clearing techniques with members of SRT and vehicle ambush counter tactics

with the Training Division Firearms Instructor staff.

Although multiple three-day patrol rifle certification classes were cancelled because of

COVID, the current patrol rifle operators received annual training and were qualified to

carry the weapon system for the next six months. Within this training, officers

participated in multiple types of drills to included moving from their vehicle to cover, target

acquisition, firing from multiple stances, malfunctions and caring for the patrol rifle. In

2021, the new certification courses will be reinstated for officers who were cancelled in

2020.

Despite the transition from full in-

person control tactics training to the

COVID caused hybrid version where

officers were assigned the written

material via PowerDMS then had in-

person follow-up with an instructor, the

same key elements (communication, the

use of proper techniques, proper

documentation, and the duty to intervention) were emphasized. Regarding weapons,

officers practiced transition to/from less lethal (OC, baton & Taser, if applicable) to lethal

then back again during the proficiency demonstrations.

In addition to weapons, physical skills and related knowledge, the Training Division

ensured that several mental health and emotional crisis trainings were taught to enhance

officer awareness and the ability to handle situations in a suitable manner.

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Cranston Police Department Year in Review 2020