ANNISTON – The Anniston Police Department says participants in its Youth Services and Explorers summer program recently received hands-on law enforcement training through real-life, scenario-based exercises.

The training took place over the last two weeks. Participants worked through scenarios designed to teach building-clearing techniques, de-escalation, decision-making, and officer response procedures.

Two weeks ago, the group visited a U.S. Marshals training facility. There, instructors taught basic building-clearing techniques before putting participants through multiple training scenarios.

APD said the scenarios tested the participants’ ability to use those techniques while also making decisions under pressure. Each scenario ended with a detailed debriefing.

Participants also received advice and instruction from multiple instructors representing different agencies across the state.

Last week, the group joined Anniston police officers in a controlled active shooter-based training environment. Participants served as role players for officers during the training.

APD said the experience allowed the young participants to see firsthand what a law enforcement response could look like during a serious emergency.

Later in the day, instructors set up several scenarios that allowed the participants to take on the role of officers. The exercises tested how they would respond to an active shooter situation in a controlled training setting.

The department said the group has remained engaged throughout the summer program.

APD said it hopes the program continues to build confidence among the young adults while giving them a closer look at the work of law enforcement officers in the community.