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27| The IFP -H alton H ills | T hursday,S eptem ber 20,2018 theifp.ca bling our footprint and our capacity," said Staff Sgt. Trevor Bradley, who man- ages the police depart- ment's training bureau. "People are excited. It's been a long time coming and people are looking for- ward to it." In addition from going from five shooting stalls to 10, the new range is also double the length of the previous one, allowing offi- cers to train on rifles and carbines - something they previously had to do off- site. It's big enough that trainers will be able to drive vehicles right inside to set up scenarios that more closely approximate what an officer might expe- rience in the real world. The sound and lighting systems in the range are elaborate, featuring 24 speakers and about 18 rows of lighting, controlled by a panel that allows trainers to design their own scenar- ios. "The lighting system can be adjusted to simulate any environment," ex- plained Bradley, sounding eager to get started in the new facility. "From total darkness to dusk, to fully lit. There's audio features so we can run dialogue, music and sound effects through the audio system and incorporate that as well." The new facility also has a top-notch heating, ventilation and air condi- tioning system, something that doesn't seem like such a big deal until you put it in perspective. "Any time you shoot a weapon, you're creating a small explosion and get- ting the byproducts of that," explained Bradley. "You want a decent system that is able to evacuate all that stuff." Bradley's team includes 10 trainers who work on various portfolios and six that focus on use-of-force training. He explained that all sworn officers in Onta- rio must complete requali- fication training for their handgun once a year, but because of the particular schedule in Halton, offi- cers here train in the shoot- ing range twice in that peri- od. Officers in tactical res- cue and other specialized units more likely to use their guns get further training. Bradley says the combi- nation of the technical sys- tems and the extra capaci- ty will go a long way to- ward preparing officers for interactions with the pub- lic. "Any time you try to re- create reality and put offi- cers in situations they might encounter on the road, they're better equipped when they en- counter those and you'll get a better result." NEWS Graham Paine/Metroland HOME ON THE RANGE The new Halton Police shooting range is double the size of its predecessor. Here are its particulars: STALLS: 10 LENGTH: 50 metres TRAINERS: 16 SPEAKERS: 24 ROW OF LIGHTS: 18 Continued from page 26 Tthe new range is double the length of the previous one, allowing officers to train on rifles and carbines - something they previously had to do off-site. MESSAGE FROM CHIEF TANNER - The future starts now. After years of planning and years of construction, it is with great excitement that the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) witnesses the migration to our new headquarters in Oakville. When the previous headquarters was constructed in 1991, the population of Halton was just 313,000. Projections indicate that our Region will experience over 50 per cent growth by the year 2041. As the Region's population continues to grow, it is our collective commitment as a service to ensure that we are able to maintain the strong sense of community safety and well-being that has become the hallmark of where our residents call home. In this regard, the new facility is well-positioned to serve the men and women of HRPS, and in turn, the communities we serve. With state-of-the-art forensic labs, dedicated and centralized training facilities, a 50-metre 10-lane tactical firing range to accommodate the changing dynamics that are needed for firearms training, and special bays for the examination of vehicles involved in fatal collisions, we set the foundation for remaining agile and nimble as a police service. This commitment to excellence is what the residents of the Town of Halton Hills, the Town of Milton, the City of Burlington and the Town of Oakville demand. And this commitment is what you deserve. We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Region of Halton, the Halton Regional Police Services Board and for the unwavering support of the community. Together we are stronger. On behalf of the entire Halton Regional Police Service, it is a pleasure to serve you. We look forward to seeing you at our new headquarters! Stephen J. Tanner Chief of Police Serving Georgetown, Acton, Erin, Hillsburgh and surrounding areas. (905)877-3638 • (844)877-3638 www.agemechanical.ca MECHANICAL PLUMBING AND DRAINAGE • Residential • CommeRCial • industRial • Residential • CommeRCial • industRial