Open Post #8: Counter Terrorism Training for Law Enforcement

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, Ark -- Law enforcement from across the county learning to fight terrorism in Central Arkansas.

With guns drawn, officers move in and fire at suspects held up on the side of a building.

While the sounds of gunfire were real, the bullets were plastic capsules filled with laundry detergent.

Richard Mason of Direct Action Resource Center said the scene is part of 'Law Enforcement Counter terrorism Training.'

"Multi cell terrorist attack is what we are trying to simulate," said Mason.

Mason oversee's the mock drills.He said many of those with badges are from Texas, who could not reveal their identity due to the type of work they do.

But the people playing the bad guys, like Brian Blackwood and Steven Yingling, are volunteers.

"I came out and was recruited with by a fellow co-worker who said this is really an opportunity to come out and do something fun," said Blackwood.

They even received a survival lesson.

"I think there is an element of preparation that you get from being out here," said Blackwood. "Figuring out rooms and figuring geometry. If somebody is going to approach me, what is my best cover and concealment. "

"I've been on the military side and I understand the importance of this training. This training wasn't available when I was being sent overseas and had it been, I think it would have changed a lot of things for me," said Yingling.

Mason said the crew started on Sunday, working as a team, and more than 100 hours learning how to better flush out the enemy during a terrorist attack.

"I've been doing this for 20 years, so obviously I enjoy it," said Mason. "The end product and seeing what happens with the officers and military personnel and even some of the civilians that go through our open enrollment classes ... it's really rewarding."

Mason said his goal is for officers who take the training course, to share the knowledge with their fellow law enforcement department.

Image credit: onepagenews.com

     This story from arkansasmatters.com may not seem like a huge deal, but in this day and age with ISIS responsible for two major terrorist attacks in the past few months, it has given some US citizens an uneasy feeling. It is only a matter of time before ISIS tries something in the states, and what Richard Mason is doing will help us be prepared if that dark day ever comes.

       I could understand some people saying that they don't want law enforcement running around with assault rifles and body armor in their neighborhoods. However, in the event of a terrorist attack in the United States, local law enforcement will be the first responders to the incident and will need to be properly trained to handle the situation as best as possible. While the attack itself is unlikely with the stringent immigration policies and no fly lists, it is always possible that a domestic terrorist group could carry the act out. So it gives me a little comfort that law enforcement at home is training and bettering themselves for a possible attack.