Training Division

The Training Division is responsible for ensuring that officers remain certified to perform their sworn duties. This is accomplished by scheduling a minimum of 40 hours of mandatory training for each officer on an annual basis - a departmental standard that far exceeds state requirements.

Members of the division are trained to conduct on-the-job courses in areas such as firearms qualification, self defense, and medical first aid certification.

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Equally important is the significant role they play in providing the department with timely briefs on criminal laws and the passage of public acts related to complex social issues such as domestic violence and sexual assault. As a result of this effort, the department is able to maintain a high level of awareness on issues that can affect the community, and is better equipped to respond to those issues as they arise.

The division also schedules officers for top-tier academic courses at the Police Officers Standards of Training (P.O.S.T.) Academy and at other major training agencies nationwide. Through these specialized programs, officers have the opportunity to learn the latest in crime fighting techniques and take advanced instruction in subjects such as DWI enforcement, crime scene processing, suicide prevention, the psychopathology of stalking, and effective interview and interrogation techniques.

Recognizing the depth and strength of West Hartford's Training Division, many surrounding communities opt to send their officers to West Hartford for training and certification. The division also trains the Capitol Police and the Air National Guard Police.