On Saturday, officers explained and demonstrated lethal and less lethal weapons used by the department.
05/15/2017
Every police situation is different, and choices by officers in the situations they find themselves in, often have to be made in a split second. Officers at the Owasso Police Department train repeatedly for the best outcome for any and all situations.
On Saturday, May 13, the Owasso Police Department held a Community Training Event at the Owasso Police Department Firing Range, showcasing situations that may occur, and the “why and what” the responses may be in those cases. About a dozen local officials and area residents were invited to learn and participate, including two members of our staff .
Participants listened as officers described the variety of weapons and equipment they carry to combat the many situations they may encounter. It does not take long to realize that Owasso Officers want the best outcome for both themselves and the people they deal with on a daily basis, no matter what the situation.
Discussions concerning the current state of law enforcement and the obstacles they face across the nation were led by several Owasso Police Officers with open discussions.
The different tools and weapons utilized by the department were on display. Sgt Mike Barnes conducted a safety briefing and officers discussed the proper situation and use of each tool or weapon. The various weapons and tools shown and discussed included:
- Various handgun platforms utilized by the department.
- Long gun weapon platforms utilized.
- Full auto weapon platforms
- Less lethal weapon platforms
- TASER discussion and demonstration
- Chemical munition introduction
- Swat and breaching tools
Participants were given the opportunity to gain hands on experience in the utilization of the various weapons platforms discussed, including live fire of weapons like the one in the video below:
Officer Goodell shows us the friendlier side of “Mo” before showing him in action.
The event included an Owasso K-9 Unit demonstration showing participants why and when a K-9 officer is used by the department, which include narcotic detection, suspect apprehension, article search and bite scenarios. “Mo” is the newest of four current K-9 officers used by the Owasso Police Department. He appears and is a gentle German Shepard until given the command by his handler Officer Matt Goodell. Mo was named after 23-year Owasso Police Officer Bill “Mo” Mozingo, a detective who died unexpectedly in November of 2014. Mo was purchased with money raised by the Friends of Owasso Police Foundation.
The Friends of Owasso Police Foundation raised enough money to equip most every officer in the department with a taser. Demonstrations showed how and when a taser is used, and why it may or may not be effective. I for one had never seen a taser used, and just thought they were some beam of electric shock. I had no idea there was a cable and hook shot at the intended suspect. Once a suspect is tased and it is effective, officers have about 5 seconds to corral the suspect.
The event ended with the participants being put through a shoot/no shoot scenario with mock traffic stops and domestic violence disturbances. Drills were administered using the SIMS system. It is not as easy as it may seem. Decisions made in split seconds can change someone’s life forever, for both good and the bad guys.
The simplest of calls…….. actually there are none, as we witnessed last week when a female shoplifter ran over and injured two Owasso Officers. The continual training officers receive help them prepare for whatever they may face, day in and day out. The event showed us how many split second decisions are made with every call they go on. No call being just like another.
This week, May 14- 20 is National Police Week. Remember that, and thank an officer when you see one. The protection they provide you and I is more than you will ever know.
