OLATHE, KS - On Wednesday, September 23, a new training facility for Olathe police officers and members of the FBI opened. The $15 million facility is located at Interstate 35 and 167th Street in Olathe.
The city of Olathe paid $13 million of the cost while the FBI paid $2 million, according to FOX4 KC. The original facility was built in the 1980s and was in desperate need of an upgrade. While the new facility opened on Wednesday, it is only the first of three phases for the training center.
In the near future, Olathe police plan to add an indoor shooting range, a house where officers can practice entry techniques, and a track where they can work on the driving skills. The first phase, which opened on Wednesday, features many unique resources for law enforcement, including a dedicated gun cleaning room.
"It’s about training, preparedness, and public safety,” said Sgt. John Moncayo of the Olathe Police Department. "This facility gives our officers a modern place to be able to continually develop their skills so that way, when they’re called upon by the community, they are able to be as prepared as possible in any situation that arises."
The outdoor shooting range, which opened on Wednesday, was built in the country so the sound of gunfire would not disturb or stress out anyone living in the city. "What this facility really is about (is) preparedness, training, and public safety," Moncayo said." There are three outdoor ranges at the training center, KSHB reported.
"The training conducted here will reinforce the skills that matter most: sound decision-making, discipline, deescalation, accountability, and the responsible use of force when necessary to protect life" Olathe Police Chief Mike Butaud said.
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