Overview

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Lieutenant Toni Bland

Training Bureau

Mission Statement
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Training Bureau is committed to deliver law enforcement training to prepare both sworn and professional staff for exemplary service to the entire community through a contemporary, comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, and well-coordinated quality program of education and training.  All components (Basic Academy, Advanced Officer Training, Tactical Training Center, Weapon Ranges, Video Production Unit, Corrections Standards and Training, Reserve and Sheriff’s Special Officer Academy) of the Training Division will constantly strive to create an atmosphere conducive to the learning process to enhance professionalism in law enforcement.

The Training Bureau develops, schedules, and presents law enforcement training for sworn peace officers and civilian employees. The department utilizes two training sites ensuring the best learning environment possible, depending on the specific needs of the course. Advanced officer training is primarily conducted at the Katella Facility in Orange. Academy and entry level training is primarily conducted at the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department, as well as multiple local, state and even federal public safety agencies train at and utilize both sites. Extensive input from law enforcement and other leaders throughout the county help to mold the curriculum and training that is offered. Both facilities are often utilized seven days per week and include daytime and evening instruction.
The Katella Facility is home to the Tactical Training Center; a make believe, but realistic street with houses and businesses, that is utilized for realistic training in a controlled environment. The Tactical Training Center was recently recognized by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and training by receiving the Governors Award for Excellence in training. Other resources found at the Katella facility include three ranges, (two additional mobile ranges are dispatched to a variety of venues), an armory, driving simulators, force option simulators, a computer training classroom, multiple instructional classrooms, the Hazardous Devices Squad, the Jail Compliance and Audit Transition Team, as well as Standards and Training for Corrections and Advanced Officer Training resources.

The Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy located on the former Marine Corps, Lighter than Air Base (LTA) property in Tustin was officially opened in September of 2007 and facilitates a minimum of six basic academies and two sheriff’s special officer academies per year, as well as reserve officer academies and a future modular training academy program.  The site is jointly occupied by training division staff as well as our training partners from the Santa Ana College Criminal Justice offices.  This new, 52,000 square foot, state of the art facility boasts four classrooms, indoor and outdoor recruit dining areas, an arrest and control techniques training area, a state of the art weight room, a special events room with a stage and seating for approximately 1,300 guests, dual obstacle courses, an outdoor running trail, a formal inspection grounds, and video production offices with a fully equipped production studio.  The facility also houses the Sheriff’s Community Services offices, and hosts sheriff’s explorer and reserve officer meetings and training, as well as Citizens Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, pre-employment (PEP) and mentoring training, and more.   Multiple agencies utilize the facility for recruiting and testing of law enforcement candidates.  The site is also planned as the future location for the Orange County Peace Officer’s Memorial.