Support Services: Training Division

Henry County Police Department Training Division is responsible for the training and education of non-certified officers prior to their entrance into the police academy. Currently, the police department sends Georgia non-certified officers to Georgia Public Safety Training Center in Forsyth, GA. After successful completion of the police academy, the newly certified police officers will return to the Training Division for approximately two weeks for additional departmental training requirements. At the end of the two week training period, the certified officer will be placed with a veteran Field Training Officer (FTO) for a period of approximately ten weeks. During the ten week period, the certified officer will be exposed to duties as a police officer and will work together with the FTO.

The Henry County Training Division is devoted to developing the skills, knowledge of sworn and civilian personnel. They provide comprehensive training to ensure our citizens are provided quality, public safety services while being treated with professionalism, dignity and respect. The Training Division provides continuous training for all personnel. Training includes, but is not limited to, the following topics, which are mandated by the State of Georgia and Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police: Use of Force, Domestic Violence, Legal Updates, Search and Seizure, Off Duty Conduct, Sexual Harassment, Special Operations, and a variety of other training topics to address the ever-changing trends in law enforcement. All officers are required to maintain their state certification by attending a minimum of 20 hours of training yearly as required by the Georgia Police Officers Standards and Training Council (P.O.S.T.).

Firearms Simulator

The Henry County Police Department is proud to be able to offer the very latest in Firearms Training.  Our state of the art VirTra Systems Firearms Simulator replicates real life, real time scenarios that require the officer to make shoot – no shoot decisions.  The simulator also has firing range style shooting exercises that hone the skills of our officers.  This system is unique in that it utilizes an actual Glock Model 22 (the standard issue sidearm of Henry County Police Officers) that has been modified to fire a laser rather than live ammunition.  Additionally, the weapon through an integrated cartridge in the magazine well produces recoil when fired, all wirelessly. 

This is a big change from the previous firearms simulators that required officers to be tethered to the system.  Officers using our simulator now have the ability to move, and utilize cover in a purpose built room as they negotiate the scenarios.  The ViTra System also allows officers to simulate low light operations through the use of an infrared flashlight specially designed for use with the system.  In addition, the system allows officers to train with a simulated electronic control device commonly referred to as a Taser. 

We are proud to offer the use of this system on an appointment basis to other Law Enforcement Agencies.  If you would like to take advantage of this new system, please contact The Henry County Police Department Training Division at 770-288-8335.

Crisis Intervention Team (CIT)

The Crisis Intervention Team program is a community effort, which brings the police and the community together for the common goals of safety, understanding, and service to the mentally ill and their families. CIT recognizes a special population that deserves special care, treatment, and service. An increase in illegal narcotic/alcohol abuse and the “deinstitutionalization” of mentally ill citizens has caused many to become homeless and potentially more violent, which increases the chances of involvement with law enforcement. This increases the possibility for excessive force complaints and the inevitable backlash from the community.

CIT officers reduce the likelihood of physical confrontations and enhance better patient care. As such, the CIT program is a beginning for the necessary adjustment that law enforcement must make from traditional police responses to a more humane treatment of individuals with mental illness. Some of the benefits of the program are listed below.

• Crisis response is immediate
• Arrests and use of force has decreased
• Underserved consumers are identified by officers and provided with care
• Patient violence and use of restraints in the ER has decreased
• Officers are better trained and educated in verbal de-escalation techniques
• Officer’s injuries during crisis events have declined
• Officer recognition and appreciation by the community has increased
• Less “victimless” crime arrests
• Decrease in liability for health care issues in the jail
• Cost savings

National advocates, such as The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill and The American Association of Suicidology have recognized the CIT program for distinguished service to the mentally ill. NAMI (Memphis) credits CIT with saving lives and preventing injuries, both for consumers and officers.