Crime & Safety

South Chicago Heights Police Chief Supports Advanced Training Despite Cutbacks

Joyce gives credit to officers who train on their own time.

"Don't train until you get it right," said Police Chief William Joyce of the South Chicago Heights Police Department. "Train until you can't get it wrong."

This was the mantra he said helps save the lives of officers everywhere. As a member of the Illinois State Crime Commission, Joyce was one of several people instrumental in bringing Israeli Krav Maga advanced defense training to Illinois.

The commission teamed up with Will County State's Attorney James Glasgow to offer the 2-day session to all law enforcement for free.

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"All of these officers are here on their own time, they are not here on department time," Joyce said. "They want to survive, they want to be trained."

Police are asked to do more with less in these economic times, Joyce explained, adding that the participants deserve recognition for spending two days without pay in an effort to learn more.

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"It's a credit to Jerry (Elsner, the executive director of the Illinois State Crime Commission) for getting the funding for this," the chief said.

The sessions included one day of hand-to-hand combat and tactical self-defense training. The second day focused on close-quarter handgun defense training, as well as an introduction to the AR15 tactical assault rifle. 

The AR15 is becoming more standard for law enforcement, Joyce explained. The ammunition is longer than a standard handgun, is pointed, and will piece a vest or a car, he said. The magazine carries 40 rounds.


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