The Glen Carbon Police Department participated in bank robbery scenario training March 29-30.
The realistic scenarios, called simmunitions training, featured firearms that look like real guns, but use paint pellets to simulate firing.
With the robbery-focused scenarios that can occur in a bank, the training took place in the former Busey Bank building at 4200 State Route 159, Glen Carbon.
Actors were brought in to act out situations such as an angry customer who pulls a knife at officers, a late night burglary, and a bank robbery involving a hostage situation.
The training was led by Sgt. Justin Click and Det. Ross Tyler.
In 2021, Click and Tyler completed the Force Science Institute Certified Realistic De-escalation Instructor Course. The Force Science Institute is considered the premier training school for law enforcement officers in crisis de-escalation and potentially violent incident training techniques.
The de-escalation techniques lesson plans developed by Click and Tyler have been recognized by the Illinois Training and Standards Council as certified training for police officers. The pair also provide both classroom instruction and scenario-based instruction to all Glen Carbon Police Department officers.
During simmunition training in the former Busey Bank building, officers were trained using Force Science training techniques.
Officers also learned the correct level of force to use during a lawful arrest. The training was videotaped for later review by officers to improve tactics.
“Keeping Glen Carbon residents safe is the mission of the Glen Carbon Police Department,” Lt. Wayne White said, “and top-notch training is essential to ensure we can continue to deliver on that commitment.”