Woodburn Independent Online

TSU does bang-up job with campers

Tactical Services Unit simulates a take-down to G.R.E.A.T. campers

• By: Rachel Cavanaugh  
• Published: 7/22/2010 9:33:31 AM

Photo By: Rachel CavanaughG.R.E.A.T. camp
The Tactical Services Unit gave a demonstration to a group of students attending the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) camp, which is put on by the Woodburn Police Department.

WOODBURN — Woodburn’s Tactical Services Unit (TSU) fired a flash-bang grenade and surrounded a vehicle with guns and other weaponry Thursday afternoon, as part of a simulation for children.
 
The TSU was participating in a Gang Resistance Education and Training camp (G.R.E.A.T.) aimed at giving children life skills and diverting them from gangs.
 
According to Woodburn Police Capt. Jason Alexander, the camp helps children not choose the wrong path as they grow up. The police participate to introduce themselves and start building relationships at an early age, he said.
 
“Just to let them know that we’re not scary people but that we’re here to do a job and serve a purpose,” Alexander said.
 r /> The TSU demonstrated a vehicle assault, which is used by officers in situations such as having a hostage in the car.
 
The flash-bang grenade is a diversionary device with light and sounds used to disorient suspects or draw their attention to something else.
 
The children seemed to be enjoying the officers’ presentations, Alexander said.
 
“They were excited,” he said. “When we first drove up with the armored car they were running over to us. … It’s fun for them.”
 
On Friday, the summer camp participants picked up trash between Valor Middle School and Settlemier Park.

  (log in to rate)