City Council Approves Training Facility for Police De-Escalation Training

The Pasadena Police Department received approval Monday from the City Council to buy a specialized facility to help train police officers in de-escalation techniques. 

The money would come from a federal grant.

“There has been an increased call by the community for a change in the way police respond to situations such as domestic violence calls, uncooperative or armed suspects, or people having a mental health crisis. At times, these types of incidents result in the use of force that can result in injury or death to the officer or individual(s) involved,” police said in the request.

The equipment is referred to as a “shoot house” and is designed to simulate real-life scenarios in a controlled environment, allowing officers to safely practice and refine de-escalation techniques.

The need for such training has become increasingly apparent, the Police Dept. said, with growing calls for a more measured approach in police responses to various situations.

The shoot house equipment offers a solution to the current limitations of scenario-based training, which is conducted outdoors and cannot be replicated indoors due to potential damage to interior walls. The facility will provide a controlled space that can be assembled, disassembled, and configured to accommodate various training scenarios.

The shoot house will facilitate immersive training for officers in de-escalation techniques, effective communication, and strategic decision-making during potentially lethal encounters.

The City Council authorized the City Manager to execute grant-related documents concerning the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) award totaling $43,334 in order to pay for the equipment.