A new realistic training facility has officially been opened at the national Police College in Porirua on Friday.
The Scenario Village was designed with the help of frontline officers to improve their safety while on the beat.
It's a full-scale housing development with three different home environments, like a small neighbourhood.
Attendees at the opening included community leaders, Police Minister Mark Mitchell, Commissioner Andrew Coster, plus some staff who worked on the facility.
Cmmr Coster said Scenario Village represents Police's commitment to frontline officer safety.
"Its mission is clear, ensuring the frontline is safer by making sure they are trained, equipped, supported and recognised for the value they provide in keeping our homes, roads and communities safe," he said.
Cmmr Coster said much work went into the design to make it as realistic as possible.
"The houses are fully furnished and staged as if they are lived in," he added.
Scenario Village was a key part of Police's FSIP (Frontline Safety Improvement Programme), following the 2020 murder of Constable Matthew Hunt in Tāmaki Makaurau/Auckland.
"Every day we ask our officers to go into environments that are unpredictable and ever-changing. They do this with courage and professionalism to ensure our communities are safe," Cmmr Coster said.
Some parts of the three homes have been strengthened to handle "robust" training exercises long-term.
For example, the interior walls are made of plywood rather than plasterboard.
The homes also have some breachable doors and windows to create a more realistic training experience.
"It is our job to ensure they have the training and tools they need to keep themselves safe, which is why the work of the Frontline Safety Improvement Programme is so important," Cmmr Coster said.
Police's tactical training for frontline staff has more than doubled since 2021.
