In a collaborative effort to enhance public safety and emergency response capabilities, the Boston Police Department (BPD) conducted a comprehensive Field Force Operations (FFO) training session for the Soldiers and Airmen of the Massachusetts National Guard Reaction Force (MA-NGRF) on September 7, 2024, at Camp Curtis Guild in Reading, Mass. This training underscores the commitment of both organizations to work together to ensure the safety and security of the Commonwealth.
This training focused on essential skills such as crowd management, tactical communication, and coordinated response strategies during critical incidents. BPD Officers, who are specially trained in Field Force Operations, led the session, sharing their expertise and real-world experiences with Service Members.
“Saturday’s joint training among the Boston Police Department, the Massachusetts National Guard Military Police, and the U.S. Air Force was truly unprecedented,” said Capt. Timothy Connolly of the Boston Police Department. “This collaborative effort focused on de-escalation, tactics, techniques, and procedures, as well as the laws and policies that guide us. Our goal was to ensure that all agencies can work seamlessly together in future civil unrest scenarios while upholding the rights of our citizens. By training side by side, we are better prepared to protect public safety and maintain order with professionalism and respect for constitutional rights,” he added.
Lt. Col. Christopher Cunningham, Commander of the MA-NGRF and the 211th Military Police Battalion, echoed the sentiments of Connolly. “Strengthening our interagency relationships is vital to our success as law enforcement professionals. We are excited to train alongside and by members of the Boston Police Department. These regular exchanges and training events with BPD and other interagency partners improve our ability in the National Guard to support civilian authorities during emergencies in the homeland.”
Service members engaged in a series of practical exercises designed to simulate various scenarios, including large peaceful gatherings and potential civil disturbances. The hands-on approach allowed the service members to apply their military training within a civilian law enforcement context, enhancing their versatility in operational environments.
Maj. Peter Messina, Commander of the 102nd Security Forces Squadron and a Boston Police Lieutenant, emphasized the importance of such an event. “This training has allowed us to be trained to the same standard as our civilian counterparts for future joint civil disturbance missions. The trainers from the Boston Police Department Bureau of Field Services emphasized the importance of strengthening our ability to respond to unrest while safeguarding public safety. This is something we hope to continue well into the future.”
As both organizations concluded their training day, they reaffirmed their dedication to ongoing collaboration. Future training sessions are anticipated, focusing on specialized topics to further enhance their capabilities in serving the public effectively.
This training initiative exemplifies the proactive measures taken by BPD and the MA-NGRF to ensure a coordinated response to any situation that may arise, ultimately fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
Story by Capt. Gina Pedro, 211th Military Police Battalion