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Local military, civilian police training builds skills

By Capt. Tamara Fischer-Carter , 21st Security Force Squadron unit public affairs representative / Published June 12, 2009

Local law enforcement officers prepare to enter a vacant Peterson dormitory room as part of a building search and clear exercise. Police from the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation teamed with 21st Security Forces Squadron Airmen for a day of joint training. Peterson security forces Airmen and their civilian counterparts practiced a variety of policing skills including tactical team movements, search and clearing of rooms and buildings, hostage rescue operations, weapon tactics, rules of engagement and mission execution procedures. (Air Force photo by Larry Hulst)
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Local law enforcement officers prepare to enter a vacant Peterson dormitory room as part of a building search and clear exercise. Police from the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation teamed with 21st Security Forces Squadron Airmen for a day of joint training. Peterson security forces Airmen and their civilian counterparts practiced a variety of policing skills including tactical team movements, search and clearing of rooms and buildings, hostage rescue operations, weapon tactics, rules of engagement and mission execution procedures. (Air Force photo by Larry Hulst)

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PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Security forces Airmen kicking in doors were only part of the action during a joint training exercise, where 21st Security Forces Squadron Airmen teamed with members of the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff's Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among other police agencies.

The training was meant to bolster skills and tactics, as well improve interagency communication, vital in times of crisis.

According to Maj. John Dumont, 21 SFS individual mobilization augmentee, both military and civilian organizations practiced responding to a variety of situations they would routinely face in "real-world" situations.

"This is the first time all types of law enforcement came together for such training," said Paul Malchow, civilian law enforcement member. "It helps improve the working relationships that we have and builds valuable skills for all of us."

The training combined classroom instruction with field training exercises where agencies practiced various special weapons and tactics techniques, explosive entry techniques and tactical movement. Explosives were incorporated to add to the realistic nature of the scenarios.

"The training familiarizes us with what each agency can offer to a particular situation," said Major Dumont. "Overall, the training was a major success in team building and technique."