Training Center Enhancement Project

Our agency is requesting funding for training and travel costs for ten members of the Negotiations Team to attend the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Crisis Negotiations Conference. To align with National standards, the LCSO is working to better integrate the Negotiation team with the SWAT team, who are already NTOA certified. The 4-day conference is held annually in Arizona. The Lake County Negotiations Team responds to incidents within unincorporated areas and the twelve municipalities. The majority of calls relate to barricaded suicidal subjects, or armed persons with felony warrants that barricade themselves and threaten Deputies rather than cooperate with arrest. Lake County has a large population of retired military veterans suffering from PTSD that can be triggered, as well as individuals under the influence of illegal substances or experiencing a mental health crisis. These incidents are highly volatile, dangerous and unpredictable. Having an appropriately trained response team is crucial to minimize the risk of injury and/or loss of life.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office is also requesting funding for our Training Center Enhancement Project. The LCSO’s training center will be relocating and needs new mats for the floors and walls. Grant funding would also be used to purchase grappling dummies, sparring gloves, head protection, blocking/striking pads, a crash mat and free-standing heavy punching bag. To also aid in the de-escalation training, grant funding would be used to purchase rubber guns, hammers, hatchets, phones and knives. Having safe and appropriate training gear will ensure Deputy safety while mastering techniques to use in the field.