Burlington Police Department Receives National Recognition, With JGPR’s Assistance

The Burlington Police Department is receiving national recognition for its de-escalation training and its commitment to progressive, community-based policing.

VirTra, which provides virtual simulators for law enforcement agencies across the nation, named Burlington Police as its September Agency of the Month. The Department was recognized for training in all aspects of law enforcement and how it incorporates de-escalation and autism awareness scenarios.

Burlington Police conducted training sessions in August, which were free and offered to public-safety partners including security personnel from the Burlington Mall, Winchester Hospital, and Copley Place in Boston.

The Department invited communications partner John Guilfoil Public Relations to take part. Public Relations Assistant Kayla Rochon participated in a session, and developed the press release that VirTra uses to highlight the Department.

The Burlington Police Department has received significant positive media coverage about its training and other activities through JGPR’s efforts. In 2021, WCVB reporter Doug Meehan participated in training, showing firsthand the need for proactive training modern best practices around de-escalation.