The mission of the Police Training Bureau is to develop, enhance and support the necessary skills of a modern law enforcement agency and its staff. Quality training enables us to provide quality service and protection to our citizens. It oversees training for all department personnel both sworn officers and civilian staff. The bureau is located at the Lee Hoeper Memorial Training Center. Built in 1987, it is located next to the Davenport Municipal Airport, at 8440 N. Harrison St.

Training for our personnel is accomplished in several ways. First, the bureau coordinates a new officers basic training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Second, they develop "in house" training utilizing sixteen instructors from within our departments ranks who are certified in various aspects of law enforcement duties. Finally, they research and coordinate training with instructors from throughout the nation both onsite and away.

The training facility itself is broken down into three areas. The classroom, the grounds and the firearms range. The facilities are not only used by our department, but when available, other local law enforcement agencies.

Our firearms range has a capacity that allows twenty-two officers to qualify at a time. It has a maximum firing distance of fifty yards. The range can also be reconfigured to train officers in movement, cover and concealment to enhance their safety.

Our officers must qualify with duty weapons four times per year. In addition, they must qualify with the Remington 870 shotgun annually. Officers assigned to the Emergency Services Team as well as those authorized to use special weapons must also qualify on a yearly basis.

Firearms training is not limited to the range. We also have an interactive computer called "FATS" (Firearms Training System). This allows us to train our officers with computer generated "action scenarios". We can then critique their response and enhance their skills. This also is done in the interest of officer safety.

Sworn officers as well as civilian staff are required to attend regular training. The grounds and classroom facilities are used for these "In-Service" training cycles. This training is mandated by Iowa law and is used to update staff on legal issues, new laws, self defense techniques, officer safety issues and many other topics.

When not in use for "In-Service" training, it hosts several specialized training sessions throughout the year. This training includes topics for officers in specialty fields such as our K-9 units, Emergency Services Team, detectives, accident investigators or related topics. Many of these sessions are attended by officers from other law enforcement agencies in our area.

The Training Bureau has also hosted our Citizen Awareness Academy. This program gives our citizens an opportunity to learn first hand the complex issues of law enforcement.