The Massachusetts State Police Firearms Training Unit (FTU) was created in January 2000 by order of the Superintendent, Colonel John DiFava. Trooper Mike Conti, a 14-year veteran of the department, was tasked with the mission of organizing, staffing, training, and equipping the new unit. The FTU is based at the new MSP Range Facility in New Braintree.
Purpose:
The purpose of the Massachusetts State Police Firearms Training Unit is to provide reality-based, mission-specific, court-defensible, integrated use-of-force training programs for all sworn members of the Massachusetts State Police. This includes recruit, in-service, and special-unit personnel.
Mission Statement:
The mission of the Massachusetts State Police Firearms Training Unit is to save lives and enhance the professionalism of the members of the department through the development and implementation of superior use-of-force training programs.
Goals:
The primary goal of the Massachusetts State Police Firearms Training Unit is contained in the Unit's Mission Statement. To assist in the accomplishment of this primary goal, the Unit has developed an entirely new firearms training program, accurately titled "
The New Paradigm". Through this new program, the members of the FTU have begun to successfully bring about an organizational, systemic change in the way the Massachusetts Department of State Police approaches use-of-force training.
Philosophy:
The philosophy of the Massachusetts State Police Firearms Training Unit is based upon these tenants: The FTU exists as a support element for every sworn member of the Massachusetts State Police. Our job is to continually research, develop, and implement better training methodologies to assist the members of the department in the development of their own critical use-of-force skills. All training must be conducted safely. All training must be as realistic as possible. All training must be both documented and court-defensible.
To reach the FTU at the State Police Academy Range Facility, call 508-867-1560 or contact the Director at 508-867-1186, or Fax us directly at 508-867-1530.
Reality-based training for the real world - training and treating professional police officers like the professionals that they are.
The New Paradigm utilizes Simunitions technology and dynamic interactive training.
Learning to take cover the MSP way - under stress and under fire.
