GOVERNOR PATRICK DEDICATES STATE OF THE ART POLICE TRAINING FACILITY
Academy to Serve Officers from the State's Western Region
"This new facility is all about providing the most current and effective training to help police officers meet the needs of local communities in changing times," said Governor Patrick.
"The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to providing law enforcement with tools and resources needed to properly train those who protect life and property in every corner of this state," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray.
The $5.9 million project - funded by the Administration's capital program - included a comprehensive renovation of a 14,600 square foot, three story historic building which is part of the former Springfield Armory Complex. Springfield Technical Community College (STCC) assisted with the completion of the facility, which sits on the STCC campus.
The Western Regional Academy provides training for recruits, full-time and part-time police officers, and professional development classes for veteran municipal and non-municipal criminal justice organizations including the Massachusetts State Police and Massachusetts Environmental Police, as well as various District Attorneys' Offices, Sheriffs Departments and campus police departments.
"We're grateful to Governor Patrick and Lt. Governor Murray for this facility that will certainly enhance our public safety efforts," said Secretary Heffernan. "The MPTC meets the training needs of about 16,000 municipal police professionals each year in addition to thousands of non-municipal officers. This new facility with its 5 sister academies ensures access to every officer within the Commonwealth's 351 cities and towns"
The center is currently home to the 45th Municipal Police Officer Class, a group of 33 recruit officers from 18 communities across the Commonwealth, participating in an 800-hour, 20-week recruit training academy. During this intensive training program, recruit officers will undergo rigorous academic, physical and mental preparation for becoming effective law enforcement officers within their communities. The program includes classroom instruction, physical fitness sessions and practical exercises, culminating with a series of lifelike scenarios designed to test the officers' ability to apply the knowledge, skills and abilities they have acquired during their academy training and to test their readiness to serve the Commonwealth.
"It is altogether fitting and strategic that the Western MA Police Training Facility be located on the campus of STCC. The decision to place it there allows for the integration of the vast resources of the college to be added to the training agenda. Governor Patrick, Secretary Heffernan and President Rubenzahl are to be commended for making this happen," said Representative Benjamin Swan.
"I want to applaud the Governor and his Administration for prioritizing public safety in Western Massachusetts. This renovated facility will help ensure that police officers throughout the region have the skills and training necessary to confront pressing law enforcement challenges. A highly-skilled police force is one of the most important components of a comprehensive public safety strategy," said Representative Cheryl Coakley-Rivera.
"I am very pleased to see such positive growth in Springfield. Not only does this project help secure employment but it also enhances our public safety which is paramount to our continued economic growth," said Representative Brian Ashe.
"I'm very appreciative of the Patrick/Murray Administration's continued investment in the City of Springfield especially when it relates to the City's number one priority of public safety," said Mayor Domenic J. Sarno.