Russell County is hosting a basic SWAT school this week for about 60 law enforcement officers from across the state.

They were in Hays Tuesday, practicing building entries and clearings at the former Hays Pathology Lab on east 13th Street.

The 45 hours of training is conducted by the Kansas Bureau of  Investigation.  Longtime KBI Agent Doug Younger is the team leader.

Younger and Russell County Sheriff John Fletcher say it’s important different types of buildings are used for practice to make their jobs  safer in a variety of circumstances.

Classroom lectures are being held in the Russell 4-H Building.

The officers will make training entries into some Russell houses Thursday.  Fletcher says Advantage Reality has allowed the use of four homes it has for sale.

The SWAT training has also utilized the vacant Victoria Grade School.

See more tonight on Street Beat Eagle Community Channel 14.