The padded walls belong to a new purpose-built Operational Safety Skills Training (OOST) facility, where Defence Tactics training is taught to all Security Police - airmen, airwomen and officers - undergoing basic training at Amberley's Security and Fire School.

The facility - which was used for the first time on August 5 - is fully enclosed and, with padding on the floors and walls up to a height of 2m, has quickly earned the nickname "the padded cell".

The $35,000 facility was built by modifying a large truck shed used by Fire Training Flight to run fire truck maintenance courses.

Student safety and Occupational Health and Safety provisions were the driving forces behind the modifications.

Prior to the new facility being built, SECPOL training was conducted in the shed using gymnasium-style safety mats.

The modified building now comfortably caters for up to 16 students and instructional staff who train in air-conditioned comfort and, of course, complete safety.

OOST techniques taught include subject control, use of handcuffs, active countermeasures and unarmed assault. OOST is also referred to as Defence Tactics training.

Personnel are also drilled in safety precautions, verbal tactical communications, arrest, search and processing techniques.

By Ben Caddaye