Olathe officials confirm new shooting range for local police and FBI collaboration

In a recent meeting of the Olathe Planning Commission, city officials discussed the establishment of a new firing range intended for the Olathe Police Department and the FBI. The proposed site, strategically located near a rock quarry and a railroad track, aims to minimize disruption to the surrounding community while addressing the pressing need for a modern training facility.

Chief Boutet, who addressed the commission, emphasized the importance of being good neighbors and ensuring that the range would primarily serve local law enforcement. He acknowledged the existing Kansas Highway Patrol firing range nearby, which he described as outdated and insufficient for current training needs. The new facility is expected to alleviate scheduling conflicts that law enforcement agencies face when seeking training space, particularly as many agencies in Johnson County rely on the same limited resources.

Commissioner Creighton raised concerns about noise levels, asking whether the range would primarily use standard service weapons. Chief Boutet reassured the commission that most training would involve handguns, with the majority of rifles being suppressed to reduce noise. He noted that while some shooting might occur at dusk, the department would communicate with the community about any unusual hours of operation.

The discussion also touched on the potential for joint use of the existing range, but Chief Boutet clarified that the current facility's limitations made it impractical for shared training. The new range is designed to meet the evolving needs of law enforcement, providing a dedicated space for training that can accommodate both the Olathe Police Department and federal partners.

As the city moves forward with this project, officials remain committed to maintaining open lines of communication with residents, ensuring that their concerns are addressed as the plan develops. The establishment of the new firing range represents a significant step toward enhancing public safety training while fostering a collaborative relationship with the community.