Acquisition of Training Center Equipment and Technology

The Olathe Police Department is expanding its current Police Headquarters Building, which was completed in 2010.  The building project will provide space for the current employees and accommodate the anticipated growth of staff and fleet through the year 2040. 

The building structure for dedicated training areas is planned and funded in the City of Olathe, KS capital improvement plan building expansion project.  However, due to budget constraints, no funding has been budgeted to purchase the equipment and technology for the training areas.  The Olathe Police Department is requesting $1,685,000 in appropriated funds to assist with the purchase of the equipment and technology for the training areas of the building project.   The funding will go towards audio visual equipment within all training rooms, floor/wall mats and equipment within our defensive tactics training room and range, training room furniture, and fitness equipment.

The first phase of this project has been completed with the demolition of the 1983 portion of the building.  The second phase is underway and will consist of a 40,000+ square foot addition to the current 2010 building.  Within this new structure, the department will have a dedicated training area.

The new facility is expected to provide a positive impact on recruiting, retention, the health of the employees and provide secured parking for all employees.  The primary goals of the training equipment and technology project include improving officer safety, remaining current on Law Enforcement training best practices, increasing the positive outcome when dealing with critical incidents, and optimizing the physical, mental, and spiritual wellness of police department employees. 

The new training areas of the building will provide additional training opportunities to enhance officer strategies as it relates to interacting with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis, de-escalating dynamic encounters, less lethal options to safely bring a critical incident to a conclusion.    Best practices will continue to be reviewed and practiced to positively impact the community view of law enforcement interactions with the public, contact with persons experiencing a mental health crisis, and use of force situations.   This financial award will also assist with providing physical conditioning training opportunities for our members to maintain high level physical standard that is required to fulfill the responsibilities of their assignment. 

The Olathe Police Department is a highly trained, professional, and innovative law enforcement agency.  Providing progressive training and the ability to host local/regional training events, in a modern police department, will enhance the service and protection provided to the growing Olathe community.