Police and Crime Commissioner, Simon Foster, was on hand as West Midlands Police officially opened its all-new tactical training centre in Birmingham.
The facility, which is owned by the PCC, is where officers are trained in policing riots, responding to chemical attacks, using Tasers to stop dangerous attackers and much more.
The new centre means West Midlands Police is well prepared for any emergency and is ready to support other forces if needed.
As part of the development, two new Taser firing ranges have been created, a new petrol bomb zone, a road network developed for practising crowd control, and a large, disused building turned into a secure space for practising extracting violent people from rooms and cars.
Before the new facilities were opened, tactical training was delivered at RAF Cosford in Shropshire.
PCC Simon Foster, said: “This new, state-of-the-art training facility represents a significant investment in maintaining and improving the capabilities of West Midlands Police.
“Officers will receive the highest quality training, enabling them to effectively respond to the complex challenges they face in keeping our communities safe.”
He added: “Bringing this vital training in-house will not only improve efficiency and effectiveness, but also provides a more controlled and accessible environment for officers. It will ensure value for money, a facility that is fit for 21st century policing and a centre of excellence.
“This will ensure that West Midlands Police are even better equipped to prevent and tackle crime and keep people, families, businesses and local communities safe and secure.”
A new 200-seater café has also been created on site creating local jobs and training for local people, including those who have traditionally been excluded from the job market.
This includes disabled people, those who have experienced homelessness and people with no formal qualifications.
The cost of the new venue has already been covered by the savings on the previous lease, travel and avoiding the improvements the old location needed.
Chief Constable Craig Guildford commented: “I’m really pleased with this new facility, which provides a controlled and safe area for officer training.
“Moving tactical training to Birmingham and partnering with Warwickshire Police offers good value for public money and ensures we are able to work seamlessly together in times of need.
“People should be reassured that West Midlands Police have this quality facility in their region.”
Around 6,000 West Midlands Police officers will be taught at the new tactical training centre.
They will be joined by hundreds of Warwickshire Police officers who will also use the site.
The aim of the training is to keep people in the West Midlands and beyond, safe.
All of the training is delivered to a carefully monitored national standard to ensure officers from different forces use the same tactics, so they can seamlessly work together during major incidents.
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