training

Hamilton Police Department

Training Unit

The Hamilton Police Department's training unit has been extremely busy these past years. The two officers assigned to the unit, Sgt. Paul Grant and Officer Michael Marchand, have contributed countless hours ensuring that the Hamilton Police officers possess the best equipment and the latest technology that the budget will allow. Under the leadership of Chief Walter Cullen and greatly assisted by the grant writing skills of Sgt. Don Dupray, the training unit continues its efforts in keeping the officers current in a wide variety of equipment improvements, special weapons, and tactical training.

In the past years Chief Cullen and the Training Unit have provided the following equipment advances and personnel training :

1993
Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray: In 1993 the Hamilton Police Department trained the entire department in the use OC spray. OC spray is a "less than lethal" use of force alternative that is used nationwide by law enforcement officers. Follow the OC spray link to the left for an explaination of OC spray and why it is a necessary tool in law enforcement.

1994
.40 Caliber Beretta semiautomatic pistols: In 1994 the Hamilton Police Department made the decision to change the issued duty weapon from Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolvers to semiautomatic pistols. The training unit researched several semiautomatic pistols and presented Chief Cullen and the members of the Department with their findings. After a careful selection process, the Chief requested that the Town purchase the .40 caliber Beretta 96-D semiautomatic pistol and issue them to every full time officer. The town approved the necessary funding and after an extensive familiarization and training period each full time officer was issued the weapon. To learn more about the 96-D Beretta click on the link to the left.

1995
Stop Sticks: In 1995 Chief Cullen learned of a new device designed to put an end to a motor vehicle pursuit called Stop Sticks. This new device is placed on the roadway in front of the fleeing vehicle and safely deflates its tires in a controlled manner (preventing a blowout). Although motor vehicle pursuits are not common in the Town of Hamilton, any pursuit has the potential to result in injury and/or property damage and must be terminated as quickly and as safely as possible. All of the Hamilton Police Department's front-line patrol vehicles are equipped with Stop Sticks. To learn more about Stop Sticks follow the link to the left.

1996
A Second Chance Monarch bullet proof vest was issued to each officer: In 1996 Sgt. Paul Grant secured a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which provided funding for the purchase of a bullet proof vest for every full and part time member of the Department. After a thorough selection process the Town of Hamilton issued the Second Chance Monarch ballistic vest to all of its officers. To learn more about the Monarch click on the link to the left.

1997
.40 Caliber Ruger Patrol Rifles: In 1997 the Law Enforcement Community was still reeling from recent incidents such as the L.A. bank robbery and other such armed confrontations where local Law Enforcement found themselves engaged with criminals possessing far superior firepower and assault weapons. In response to this increasingly common threat the training unit began researching light, accurate, and durable Patrol Rifles. At the conclusion of the research the training unit recommended to Chief Cullen that the department purchase the .40 Caliber Ruger PC4 Carbine Patrol Rifle. To learn more about the rifle follow the link to the left.

1998
Range 2000: In 1998 Chief Cullen joined forces with several other local Chiefs and together they purchased the most realistic use of force training tool available. The Range 2000 simulators collaborate advanced computer technology with law enforcement and military tactical experience to provide a immersive real life judgmental training experience. If you would like to learn more about the Range simulator technology click on the link to the left.

1999
Laser Sights: In 1999 Officer Marchand began to research the advantages of Laser Sights for the Beretta duty weapons. After completing his research he presented a recommendation to Chief Cullen that the department permit its officers to utilize this technology. After a test period Chief Cullen agreed that the technology was a useful tool for a law enforcement officer, but not a necessity. Due to budget limitations, Chief Cullen could not issue the sights to the patrol units, however he did permit officers to purchase this device on their own if they so desired. Several members of the department are now equipped with the Crimson Trace Lasergrip. To learn more about this laser grip follow the link to the left.

1999
Expandable Batons: Also in 1999 Chief Cullen and the training unit explored the benefits and liabilities of issuing expandable batons to the patrol officers. The batons give the patrolmen a less than lethal force alternative should circumstances arise where the use of the OC spray is either ineffective or contraindicated. To learn more about the expandable batons that the Hamilton Police carry, click on the link to the left.

2000
"Live Fire" Range 2000 : In the year 2000 Chief Cullen got together with several Chiefs from neighboring departments and secured a grant to upgrade the current Range 2000 simulator to the "Live Fire" Range 2000 simulator. This upgrade allowed officers to train in the simulator with their personal duty weapon and live ammunition. This upgrade greatly increased the realistic effect of the simulator. To check out a simulator similar to the one the Hamilton Police Department uses click on the link to the left and look for the dedicated installation section under the simulator page.

2001
Dispatch and Record Software:
On January 1st, 2001 the Hamilton Police Department placed the dispatching and record keeping software from Information Management Corporation into full operation. This software will greatly increase the record keeping and documentation capabilities of the Hamilton Police Department.

2002
Incident Command Training In December of 2002 Chief Cullen and the Hamilton Police Department hosted The Greater Boston Police Council's "Critical Incident Management - Initial Response" training seminar. Every full time Hamilton police officer attended this valuable 24 hour training session.

2003
Active Shooter Training In January of 2003 each Hamilton police officer completed 16 hours of training with the Massachusetts State Police STOP TEAM regarding active shooter responses. The training was hosted by the Ipswich Police Department and included officers from several neighboring jurisdictions.

2004
Active Shooter Training II In February of 2004 each Hamilton police officer completed 8 hours of continuing education training with the Massachusetts State Police STOP TEAM regarding active shooter responses. The training was held inside the Hamilton and Wenham Regional School District's middle and high schools.

2004
Ballistic Shields
In early 2004 the department purchased ballistic shields and integrated their use into the Active Shooter training program.

2004
Pepperball Air-Guns In 2004 and 2005 the department expanded its available options for less than lethal force by adding a tactical pepper ball gun.

2005
Less than Lethal Shotgun In 2005 the department acquired a 12 gauge shot gun which was specially designated to fire less than lethal ammunition.

2006

Night Vision
In 2006 the department obtained surplus equipment from the military including a third generation night vision unit.

2006
Thermal imager In August of 2006 the department was awarded a $11,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a Thermal imager.

2007
Video Detective In August of 2007 the department was awarded a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Homeland Security for a video enhancement system that allows officers to view, enhance and distribute surveillance video images.

1993	Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) Spray:	In 1993 the Hamilton Police Department trained the entire department in the use OC spray. OC spray is a "less than lethal" use of force alternative that is used nationwide by law enforcement officers. Follow the OC spray link to the left for an explaination of OC spray and why it is a necessary tool in law enforcement.
1994	.40 Caliber Beretta semiautomatic pistols:	In 1994 the Hamilton Police Department made the decision to change the issued duty weapon from Smith and Wesson .357 Magnum revolvers to semiautomatic pistols. The training unit researched several semiautomatic pistols and presented Chief Cullen and the members of the Department with their findings. After a careful selection process, the Chief requested that the Town purchase the .40 caliber Beretta 96-D semiautomatic pistol and issue them to every full time officer. The town approved the necessary funding and after an extensive familiarization and training period each full time officer was issued the weapon. To learn more about the 96-D Beretta click on the link to the left.
1995	Stop Sticks:	In 1995 Chief Cullen learned of a new device designed to put an end to a motor vehicle pursuit called Stop Sticks. This new device is placed on the roadway in front of the fleeing vehicle and safely deflates its tires in a controlled manner (preventing a blowout). Although motor vehicle pursuits are not common in the Town of Hamilton, any pursuit has the potential to result in injury and/or property damage and must be terminated as quickly and as safely as possible. All of the Hamilton Police Department's front-line patrol vehicles are equipped with Stop Sticks. To learn more about Stop Sticks follow the link to the left.
1996	A Second Chance Monarch bullet proof vest was issued to each officer:	In 1996 Sgt. Paul Grant secured a grant from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts which provided funding for the purchase of a bullet proof vest for every full and part time member of the Department. After a thorough selection process the Town of Hamilton issued the Second Chance Monarch ballistic vest to all of its officers. To learn more about the Monarch click on the link to the left.
1997	.40 Caliber Ruger Patrol Rifles:	In 1997 the Law Enforcement Community was still reeling from recent incidents such as the L.A. bank robbery and other such armed confrontations where local Law Enforcement found themselves engaged with criminals possessing far superior firepower and assault weapons. In response to this increasingly common threat the training unit began researching light, accurate, and durable Patrol Rifles. At the conclusion of the research the training unit recommended to Chief Cullen that the department purchase the .40 Caliber Ruger PC4 Carbine Patrol Rifle. To learn more about the rifle follow the link to the left.
1998	Range 2000:	In 1998 Chief Cullen joined forces with several other local Chiefs and together they purchased the most realistic use of force training tool available. The Range 2000 simulators collaborate advanced computer technology with law enforcement and military tactical experience to provide a immersive real life judgmental training experience. If you would like to learn more about the Range simulator technology click on the link to the left.
1999	Laser Sights:	In 1999 Officer Marchand began to research the advantages of Laser Sights for the Beretta duty weapons. After completing his research he presented a recommendation to Chief Cullen that the department permit its officers to utilize this technology. After a test period Chief Cullen agreed that the technology was a useful tool for a law enforcement officer, but not a necessity. Due to budget limitations, Chief Cullen could not issue the sights to the patrol units, however he did permit officers to purchase this device on their own if they so desired. Several members of the department are now equipped with the Crimson Trace Lasergrip. To learn more about this laser grip follow the link to the left.
1999	Expandable Batons:	Also in 1999 Chief Cullen and the training unit explored the benefits and liabilities of issuing expandable batons to the patrol officers. The batons give the patrolmen a less than lethal force alternative should circumstances arise where the use of the OC spray is either ineffective or contraindicated. To learn more about the expandable batons that the Hamilton Police carry, click on the link to the left.
2000	"Live Fire" Range 2000 :	In the year 2000 Chief Cullen got together with several Chiefs from neighboring departments and secured a grant to upgrade the current Range 2000 simulator to the "Live Fire" Range 2000 simulator. This upgrade allowed officers to train in the simulator with their personal duty weapon and live ammunition. This upgrade greatly increased the realistic effect of the simulator. To check out a simulator similar to the one the Hamilton Police Department uses click on the link to the left and look for the dedicated installation section under the simulator page.
2001	Dispatch and Record Software:	On January 1st, 2001 the Hamilton Police Department placed the dispatching and record keeping software from Information Management Corporation into full operation. This software will greatly increase the record keeping and documentation capabilities of the Hamilton Police Department.
2002	Incident Command Training	In December of 2002 Chief Cullen and the Hamilton Police Department hosted The Greater Boston Police Council's "Critical Incident Management - Initial Response" training seminar. Every full time Hamilton police officer attended this valuable 24 hour training session.
2003	Active Shooter Training	In January of 2003 each Hamilton police officer completed 16 hours of training with the Massachusetts State Police STOP TEAM regarding active shooter responses. The training was hosted by the Ipswich Police Department and included officers from several neighboring jurisdictions.
2004	Active Shooter Training II	In February of 2004 each Hamilton police officer completed 8 hours of continuing education training with the Massachusetts State Police STOP TEAM regarding active shooter responses. The training was held inside the Hamilton and Wenham Regional School District's middle and high schools.
2004	Ballistic Shields	In early 2004 the department purchased ballistic shields and integrated their use into the Active Shooter training program.
2004	Pepperball Air-Guns	In 2004 and 2005 the department expanded its available options for less than lethal force by adding a tactical pepper ball gun.
2005	Less than Lethal Shotgun	In 2005 the department acquired a 12 gauge shot gun which was specially designated to fire less than lethal ammunition.
2006	Night Vision	In 2006 the department obtained surplus equipment from the military including a third generation night vision unit.
2006	Thermal imager	In August of 2006 the department was awarded a $11,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for a Thermal imager.
2007	Video Detective	In August of 2007 the department was awarded a $50,000 grant from the US Department of Homeland Security for a video enhancement system that allows officers to view, enhance and distribute surveillance video images.