30 Arlington Police Officers Complete Scenario-Based Training

ARLINGTON, MA — Thirty Arlington police officers have completed scenario-based training facilitated by the sheriff’s office, according to Arlington Police Chief Juliann Flaherty and Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.

Utilizing the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Mobile Training Center (MTC), Arlington officers were put through a series of video-based scenarios focused on the effective use of de-escalation skills.

The training, which was held in Arlington from May 2 to 6, included a heavy emphasis on communication skills and officer safety. Following each scenario, trainers and officers from the Arlington Police Department discussed assessed each response.

Arlington police last used the MTC to complete training in May 2021.

“I would like to thank the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office for their partnership and offering this important resource to APD,” Flaherty said in a statement. “The MTC is an invaluable tool that helps us train and prepare for real life scenarios and practice de-escalation skills to ensure that our officers have the skills, tools and techniques to safely resolve challenging situations.”

In 2021, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office worked with 32 agencies to facilitate the training, including the Bedford, Billerica and Concord police departments.

“This scenario-based training supplements the extensive training officers in Arlington and across Middlesex County receive on a yearly basis,” Koutoujian said in a statement. "It requires participants to use the full range of their skills to resolve situations with the least amount of force required and provides instructors the opportunity to offer immediate and comprehensive feedback that officers can take straight back into the field. We’re proud to work with Chief Flaherty and our Arlington Police Department partners to once again be able to offer this training.”