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BPD & Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Partner on Interactive Training

Burlington Police Chief Browne and Middlesex Sheriff Koutoujian said 39 local officers recently completed scenario-based training facilitated by the sheriff’s office.

Utilizing the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office Mobile Training Center (MTC), Burlington officers were put through a series of video-based scenarios focused on issues including motor vehicle stops and interactions with individuals in mental health crisis. The training included a heavy emphasis on de-escalation, communication skills and officer safety. Following each scenario, BPD trainers and officers assessed and discussed each response.

All officers in the Burlington Police Department are trained in Mental Health First Aid, and about 20 percent of officers have also received Crisis Intervention Training. Burlington Police also emphasize de-escalation training, and have sent eight officers to a 40-hour FBI Crisis Negotiator class, with plans to send more soon. 

In 2021, the Middlesex Sheriff’s Office worked with 32 agencies to facilitate the training including Bedford, Billerica and Concord.  Burlington last completed this training in 2015.