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NYPD Joint Tactical Training Centers Open Across the Five Boroughs

January 14, 2020

The NYPD is announcing the opening of the Joint Tactical Training Centers, part of an ongoing effort to expand our rigorous training for all officers. These indoor training centers allow for cross-bureau tactical instruction – which includes officers from a range of assignments such as Patrol, Housing, Transit and the Detective Bureau – using simulator-based scenario training. The scenarios give officers the unique opportunity to hone their tactics using high-tech simulations of situations officers potentially face every day. After a successful pilot center opened last year, the first permanent center opened in Queens North at the end of September and additional centers have since opened, for a total of eight centers. These localized training centers are situated across the five boroughs and allow officers to leave patrol for a portion of their tour to participate in hands-on, interactive training. “The opening of the joint tactical training centers represents the latest innovation in continuing effort to provide our officers with important training that will facilitate officers and public safety,” said First Deputy Commissioner Benjamin Tucker.

Overview of Training Centers

  • Officers in an enforcement capacity are required to attend the training four (4) times a year, while officers in an administrative capacity are required to attend one (1) time a year. This includes all officers below the rank of Captain.
  • Each training session is two (2) hours long and involves approximately 20-30 officers.
  • Over 11,000 members of service have been trained since the beginning of the pilot program.
  • The “Joint” in Joint Tactical Training Center (J-TAC) refers to the universal coordination between the members assigned to the many bureaus that operate within the Department.
  • The curriculum is developed and implemented by NYPD experts from:
    • Firearms & Tactics Section
    • Training Bureau
    • Detective Bureau
    • Emergency Services Unit
    • Strategic Response Group
    • Force Investigation Division
    • Command Training Sergeants from Patrol, Housing, and Transit Bureaus
  • The curriculum is crafted to refine tactics and optimize decision making, including strategies to mitigate crossfire and friendly fire.
  • Officers participate in scenarios, typically in pairs, with live instructors to help guide them.
  • The training emphasizes the critical decision making model.
  • The training can be tailored to the audience and supports participation, due to the small class size.

For example, transit officers may receive a transit scenario where they can bring the tactics they practiced with them, back to patrol, to use and share with fellow officers.

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