EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Canutillo Independent School District opened a new indoor training facility on Wednesday, July 30, designed to give high school students hands-on experience in law enforcement.
It’s the first of its kind for students in El Paso County, district officials said.
The Canutillo Academy for Public Safety (CAPS) facility opened on Wednesday and is part of the district’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. The space is built to simulate real-world scenarios and allows students in the district’s law enforcement program to practice team tactics, room clearing, and decision-making under pressure.
“This gives students realistic training,” said Canutillo ISD spokesperson Gustavo Reveles. “Before, they were practicing in small areas at the high school. Now, they have a facility that mimics the real world and prepares them for whatever comes next.”
The $168,154 facility was funded through the CTE department and is part of Canutillo ISD’s broader push to offer career-ready pathways for students.
The program is currently limited to mostly seniors, but district officials say there are plans to expand and partner with other school systems and law enforcement agencies in the future.
Hailey Romero, a senior in the program, said the experience has helped her feel more confident in her future.
“It helped solidify the fact that I want to do something in law and make the world a better place,” Romero said.
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