Military Police Receive Training from Maine State Police

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Soldiers from the 488th Military Police Company familiarize themselves with the x-26 taser during a certification class at the Waterville Armory, taught by Sgt. Peter Michaud, Maine State Police.

WATERVILLE, ME (04/07/2013)(readMedia)-- Soldiers of the 488th Military Police Company in Waterville, Maine had the opportunity on Friday, April 5, to recertify on a number of less-lethal weapon systems in a class offered by the Maine State Police.

During the class, the Maine Guardsmen learn how to safely engage and operate less-lethal weapon systems including tasers and spray based deterrents. The Soldiers were taught how to determine the appropriate time to use less-lethal methods to avoid unnecessary use of lethal force when apprehending a suspect.

"The purpose of the training is a joint operation between the Army National Guard and the Maine State Police", said Sgt. Peter Michaud, a Maine state trooper and the instructor of the class. "It's a certification for the Army which gives them another tool for a less-lethal option, whether they're deploying stateside or overseas."

Many Soldiers in the unit have civilian jobs as law enforcement officers, so the training and certification they receive through this class can be used for more than just their military job.

Soldiers participated in hours of class work, followed by hands-on familiarization with the equipment. Finally, the students must then feel the effects of a taser weapon personally before they complete the course. The certification they earn is good for one year, before they must take the class again.