Officers train for scenarios after Sikh shooting

PEWAUKEE - The Sikh temple shooting is changing the way police officers train. Some are getting a "refresher course" in dealing with active shooters.

It's a scenario no law enforcement officer can predict, but if or when it happens, quick action is all it takes to put down an active shooter.

At the Waukesha County Technical College, a dozen officers from agencies across southeast Wisconsin got a refresher course on how to handle the most dangerous situations.

"I can't emphasize training, training, training. They come to us with various levels of experience and training. And it's our job to elevate their training," said Brian Dorow, dean of WCTC's criminal justice program.

One situation involves a resisting suspect and how to apprehend and handcuff them.

"It's what we call diminishing skill sets. If you don't practice them, you may not be as sharp as when you have to do it," said Dorow.

Another involves clearing a staircase where a suspect may be hiding.

"There's a skill set as well as a technique to clearing a staircase. We call that metering," said Dorow.

The most relevant skill is dealing with an ambush situation.

After the Sikh temple shooting, instructors say it's the most important training.

"What we're putting the officers in is the most realistic situation so that their heart rate is elevated. They're processing it like it could happen anywhere else. It makes them so much better when they're out on the street," said Dorow.

This training is part of a rotating 17-week training. By the end of it, instructors will have trained close to 3,000 officers throughout southeast Wisconsin.