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Green Township police turn high-crime bar into training facility

Posted at 1:17 AM, Jul 26, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-26 01:53:13-04

GREEN TWP., Ohio – Police have turned a bar and long-time trouble spot into a training facility.

“We had drug complaints, noise complaints … We had gun runs. We've removed several guns - just all kinds of quality of life issues,” said Chief Jim Vetter.

Now the only runs to 2808 Blue Rock Road are to train in the use-of-force simulator or catch up on reports. The increased police presence should also shorten response times and deter crime in businesses in the area.

“This is a part of the township that's on our northern part that maybe wasn't getting the presence of officers it needed before,” Vetter said. 

The simulator lets officers experience encounters they may face on duty.

“We can simulate "shoot, don't shoot" situations, We can simulate less lethal situations where you may have to aim a Taser, not just a weapon,” said Lt. Mitch Hill.

Trainers can see when shots were fired and how the officer reacted in real time

“We have a community of 60,000 residents and we want our officers to have the best training available,” said Triffon Callos, chairman of the township trustees.