Chief's Corner

The Bradenton Police Department thanks everyone who joined us at the grand opening of the Manatee Technical College and City of Bradenton Law Enforcement Training Center. The new facility in eastern Manatee County boasts two firing ranges, a driving pad, a classroom building, and a simulated shoot house.

These facilities equip BPD to expand and upscale officer training programs. Additionally, Manatee Technical College now has dedicated facilities for its Law Enforcement Academy recruits. In 2015, MTC lost its driving pad and firing range because its previous campus closed. Since then, recruits from the Law Enforcement Academy have been using a driving pad in Pinellas County.

Later this month, current recruits will be the first class to utilize the new driving pad. This fall, Law Enforcement Academy students will have access to the facility's firing ranges, eliminating the need to rely on an indoor commercial range in Sarasota County.

The state-of-the-art facility is possible thanks to seamless collaboration between the Bradenton Police Department, Manatee Technical College, the School District of Manatee County, and the City of Bradenton. More photos and information here.