Franklin Police will be getting a new, or actually permanent home, at the present location they are using on Hurricane
Rd.
“The newly remodeled Facility is expected to be complete by mid-summer 2009, the firing range will be completed
later with other funds from grants and various funding” says Chief Lynn. “This firing range will be slightly different”, adds Chief
Lynn. Noting that, “This range will have bullet safety walls that are removable, we can set up any scenario we want”.
Chief Lynn has been a range instructor for about 17 years. Lynn says, “ I don’t like to go out and just shoot, I like it to be as
realistic as possible”. With a pile of household items Chief Lynn points out that he can throw this crap on the floors and force officers
to use all their senses to clear a room while stepping over items that may be present in a real live scenario.
“I’ve
got guys who can go out and shoot tiny shot patterns in a target. But when you pressure then enough in a lifelike scenario, they make
mistakes. So with this training they become accustom to working under these conditions and they are more efficient officers, and don’t
make those pressure errors (which can cost a life)”, says Chief Lynn.
With this type of training the officers adapt,
they may leave with adrenaline shakes, but they are leaving safe.
The removable walls will be of the newest technology
and be able to accept live gunfire. Consisting of a space age material similar to rubber and assemble like “logo” blocks, the walls
can receive live gun fire and provide a safe training environment for the officers.
Rooms in homes or warehouses can be
simulated and changed to suit the exercise. Walls can be folded with doorways and openings to put training in a realistic scenario.
The facility will boast training areas both active hot and cold training. With the ability to create various scenarios
officers will not have to rely on paying other facilities for rental use. Larger office space is also a premium and evidence rooms.
A fully equipped workout room, Franklin wants it’s officer’s to stay in shape, and lockers and hot showers will be a
added asset.
New HVAC and individual room control is part of the package. While some room will not require the same heat
or air conditioning as other rooms.
The entire facility will be 7 acres and part of a total 15 acres track. Franklin
will have the option of purchasing the additional 8 acres within three years. The logic solution would be to purchase the land now
and start planning for future expansion, say several supporters of the project.
Is such a large facility necessary? Of
course it is if you want your officer fully prepared and trained properly. “By the time you get this building where we need to be
for the future, then we’re not going to have much room left”, says Chief Lynn.
Also Franklin can not only save a ton of money
by not paying to send officers somewhere else to train, and the facility can be rented out and used by other agencies.
The cost will has been estimated at near $1.2 million to remodel the building. To first purchase the building the price has changed
and it is now around $1.0 million. A total price tag of $2.2 million, which will not include a firing range, is a bargain at today’s
prices. The real deal is that Mayor Paris refuses to raise taxes to pay for it. How’s that for a Mayor’s attitude? Mayor Paris says
the facility will be paid by funds in the CCD (cumulative capitol development funds) or by a twenty-year bond. Either way taxes will
not be affected says Mayor Paris.
Citizens are still throwing a fit over the new High Schools impact on their property
taxes! With Options to build such a great amenity and NOT rise taxes is a plus for Franklin.
