OWATONNA POLICE DEPARTMENT—2018 Annual Report
Department Training The 2018 Owatonna PD Firearms Training Unit consisted of six members: Sergeant Jason Matejcek (Coordinator), Certified Instructors: Sergeants Andrew Drenth and Joshua Sorensen, Officers Benjamin Johnson, Jesse Ackerson (resigned Nov. 9) and Andrew Van Osdale.
Each of the certified firearms instructors have assigned specialized duties within the unit. The instructors train, test and evaluate the officers under the mandated training requirements set forth by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board (POST). Each licensed officer must qualify in the use of their department issued handgun, shotgun and patrol rifle. In 2018, the training unit conducted three trainings including: Close Quarter Battle (CQB) - Force on Force Building Clearing, Vehicle Close Quarter Battle (VCQB) and a combined annual low light / inclement weather training. The instructors strive to replicate realistic situations and scenarios through a variety of ways in order to induce stress. This method of training, known as stress inoculation training, conditions officers to overcome and minimize the negative physiological and psychological aspects of a deadly force situation. One way that the instructors train officers to have a winning mindset is by utilizing scenario-based training where the instructors and officers utilize simunition (non-lethal) rounds and role players. Officer Ackerson resigned from the Owatonna Police Department to become a deputy with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Officer Ackerson was a valuable asset to the Firearms Unit due to his firearms knowledge and experience, along with his military and SWAT background. He will certainly be missed.
In 2018, the South Central Drug Investigation Unit’s Tactical Team (SWAT) was comprised of about 24 team members from 11 different agencies within Steele, Freeborn, Waseca and Faribault counties. The primary goal of the tactical team is the safety and preservation of all human life. The team is a support group that aids local police departments and sheriffs offices through the use of their specialized trainings and equipment to resolve high-risk, critical incidents that are beyond the capabilities of local authorities. Officer Jesse Ackerson – Team Leader Detective Joel Hunt – Assistant Team Leader Detective Matthew Oeltjenbruns – Sniper / Operator Officer Zackary Schumaker - Operator
10—Department Training
