The Saint Joseph County Police Department makes upgrades on shooting range

SAINT JOSEPH COUNTY, Ind. -- The Saint Joseph County Police Department have updated their range, hoping that a new concrete slab, pole barn, and its on-site instructors will lead to better trained officers. Both active and on reserve, as well as horse posse members and corrections officers. 

More than a half-dozen different departments across the country are benefiting from the upgraded training grounds.

"So here at the range, we focus on training our officers how to use firearms, but we also focus on de-escalation tactics, any other training that would involve firearms or less lethal options, things of that nature," states Training Coordinator for St. Joe County Police Department Sergeant Kyle Labere.

Labere continues, "We have a big focus on training and make sure everyone on the department gets the training that's needed. With that being said, this is a multi-jurisdictional facility. North Liberty, New Carlisle, Roseland, even Pokagon, the tribal police, and Mishawaka utilize our range, and even South Bend. So, we try to keep it nice, and we want a facility that's safe that we can get the best training possible."

County Police tell NightTeam that the renovations cost roughly $96,000.