HARRISBURG (SIC NEWS) – State Representative Patrick Windhorst recently visited Southeastern Illinois College to observe an immersive police training session in action, where local law enforcement officers hone their skills and criminal justice students have opportunities to gain invaluable experience. The event showcased SIC’s role as a critical training hub for officers across Southern Illinois, in collaboration with Mobile Training Unit (MTU) 15.
“When I served as State’s Attorney for Massac County, I built strong working relationships with our law enforcement community. Police officers have one of the hardest jobs in the world, and they perform heroically with dedication and professionalism as they work to protect our communities,” Windhorst said. “Having such a fantastic training facility right here in southern Illinois means a lot to me, and should mean a lot to the citizens who will rely on the police officers that receive their training through the Mobile Training Unit. Officers that complete their training here leave as trained professionals, ready to protect and serve communities throughout southern Illinois.”
MTU 15, which serves 27 counties in Southeastern Illinois, organizes these trainings and brings together multiple departments. On this day, officers from Metropolis, DeSoto, Wabash County, Pulaski County, and Johnston City participated in the eight-hour session. The course emphasizes use-of-force and de-escalation techniques, which are mandated for Illinois officers every three years, ensuring consistent responses across jurisdictions.
“We’re making sure there is continuity from Chicago to Cairo,” said Major Jerod Campbell, former SWAT Commander and Saline County Deputy Sheriff, one of the off-duty officers who serve as trainers for MTU 15. “This way, when officers from different departments work together to respond to a high-pressure situation, they know what to expect from each other.”
Sheriff’s Office Detective Shannon Deuel echoed the importance of the training.
“This training not only helps them to save others’ lives, but also their own lives,” Deuel said. “It ensures that no matter where officers are from, they are trained to respond in the same way, which increases both their effectiveness and safety. After each scenario, we critique their performances. It’s crucial that they know what they did right and where they can improve.”
This scenario-based training uses non-lethal training ammunition, allowing officers to engage in realistic encounters without the risk of injury. In addition to these specialized training days, SIC also offers law enforcement officers access to its certified gun range, one of only three in the state approved for official police training. SIC also serves as a regular venue for K-9 unit exercises, ensuring these vital partners remain sharp in the field.
“SIC is proud to offer one of the few facilities in Southern Illinois that can support such comprehensive police training,” said Ricky Sauls, Assistant Director of CTE and Workforce Education at SIC. “The facility was originally designed for coal mine simulation training, but its structure lends itself perfectly to police scenarios without concern for damage.”
The on-site police training is a bonus for criminal justice students at SIC who can earn extra credit by volunteering as participants in these real-world scenario-based exercises. On this occasion, freshman Hunter Garner from Springfield, an archery student with aspirations of becoming a conservation officer, took on the role of a perpetrator during the drills.
“This hands-on experience exposes our students to real police training and helps them build connections with potential future employers,” said Sauls. It’s a unique opportunity for them to see what field situations look like firsthand.”
Garner, reflecting on his role as a student participant, said, “It’s amazing to get this kind of experience while still in college. Participating in these police training sessions gives me an opportunity to see what real-life situations might look like.”
“The college continues to enhance its programs for both students and law enforcement professionals, bridging educational experiences with real-world practice to make a tangible impact on community safety,” said SIC President Dr. Karen Weiss. “We are pleased to provide access to specialized training opportunities such as these for our law enforcement officials and hope to partner with other service organizations for training in the future.”
For more information about the Criminal Justice Program or Law Enforcement Training at SIC, visit sic.edu/crj or call 618-252-5400, ext. 2248.
