FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | RELEASE DATE: March 17, 2026 | CONTACT: Dalilah Davaloz (562) 692-0921
Investment will strengthen training for law enforcement officers in the region.
(Whittier, Calif.) — Federal funding secured by U.S. Rep. Linda Sánchez will allow Río Hondo College to advance the development of its Public Safety Scenario Training Unit (PSSTU), a facility designed to expand training for Police Academy cadets and public safety professionals.
The $1.03 million in Community Project Funding will support the purchase of technology, equipment and modular furniture to create immersive training environments for cadets. The federal investment marks the second time Congresswoman Sánchez has secured funding for the project following a $963,000 Community Project Funding award in fiscal year 2024.
“We are grateful to Congresswoman Sánchez for her continued advocacy and support of the College,” said Superintendent/President Teresa Dreyfuss. “With this funding, the College will be able to offer one of the few scenario-based training units in the Los Angeles region.”
The Public Safety Scenario Training Unit will include classrooms equipped with televisions and audio-visual technology designed to amplify and record training exercises, along with a monitoring and debriefing room for reviewing scenarios. The facility will also feature staged environments, including an apartment, warehouse, cocktail lounge and bank – allowing cadets to train in realistic situations.
Using advanced tools, such as virtual reality technology, the training unit will help cadets build critical decision-making skills, practice de-escalation techniques and strengthen community policing strategies in high-stress environments.
“Members of the Board of Trustees remain deeply engaged with our government leaders to ensure the College has the resources needed to serve our students and community,” said Board of Trustees President Rosaelva Lomeli. “Congresswoman Sánchez has delivered once again, and we are extremely grateful for her continued support.”
“As a former police officer, I know firsthand how critical proper training is,” said Walt Allen, director of the Río Hondo College Police Academy. “The PSSTU will provide current and future officers with hands-on training in realistic environments that better prepare them to serve and protect our communities.”
Río Hondo College leaders, along with Police Academy Class #219 welcomed Congresswoman Sánchez to campus March 12, for a check presentation recognizing the federal funding.
The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs through the Byrne Discretionary Community Project Funding program, which supports state and local law enforcement initiatives.
For more information about the College, visit www.riohondo.edu.
