The Martha's Vineyard Times

Tactical Response Team plans training drill at Farm Neck

By Steve Myrick
March 19, 2012

Photo courtesy of Martha's Vineyard Law Enforcement Council

Tactical Response team in a 2009 training exercise. [More Photos]

Island police departments are cautioning residents about a large scale training exercise scheduled for Tuesday, March 20 in Oak Bluffs. Martha's Vineyard Law Enforcement Council's tactical response team plans a full day of training at a home on the Farm Neck golf course. The home is scheduled for demolition.

Police are concerned that someone curious about the simulated crisis may be alarmed, or unintentionally get in the way of the exercise.

"Due to the sensitive nature of the training, this exercise is closed to the public and press," the police group said in a news release.

The drill will simulate a scenario where the tactical response team is called in to deal with a high-risk encounter.

The exercise will help the tactical response team prepare for lengthy, complicated situations such as a hostage taking or a barricaded criminal suspect.

It will also help them understand the best way for law enforcement agencies to work together to most effectively use their resources.

The Barnstable County Sheriff's Department, The Dukes County Sheriff's Department, the Martha's Vineyard Law Enforcement Council, Oak Bluffs EMS and Oak Bluffs Emergency Management will all participate in the drill.

The training exercise is scheduled for 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.