Tilman J. Fertitta

Tilman Fertitta contributed $2.5 million to the facility, a donation that landed his name on the Houston Police Department Tactical Village, a 44,000-square-foot, two-story facility that opened December 2019. After visiting many police training centers around the country with Houston police officials, Fertitta knew Houston needed a facility to train Houston officers.

The Tilman Fertitta Family Tactical Training Center, was designed by the famed Ziegler Cooper architects no less, has interior city scenes that can look like the inside of an actual school, office building, hotel, or streetscape. Ziegler Cooper was honored to work with the HPD and the Houston Police Foundation to design the building, which “Ensures a Safer Tomorrow for our City and our Citizens,” according to the HPF.

CMTA Technology Solutions also took on this unique project design challenge and worked with HPD to develop a software control platform. This platform is like ones used in renowned amusement park attractions to synchronize lighting and sound cues. The specific combination produces a three-dimensional sound field with life-like, real-world sound levels. All simulations can be monitored in real time from an overhead catwalk or extensive documenting camera system. This facility is one of only four training centers of its type in the United States.

This facility provides a space to train officers in how to best respond to the modern challenges and situations (e.g., active shooter, hostage, terrorists) that officers face today. Former Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said, “I promise you; we’re going to save lives.” The Tactical Village revolutionizes training by providing a venue for a higher level of learning which equips officers to arrive at a scene and immediately respond to emergencies. The Tactical Village and its many technology systems are a critical step toward ensuring a safer tomorrow.