KIMBALL -- Law enforcement agencies will have an opportunity to participate in a professional training course in the Panhandle Region in the spring. 

The Kimball Police Department will host a PepperBall Instructor/Armorer Course on April 15 and 16, 2025, from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. each day. 

The course is open to any law enforcement agency to become a certified instructor of PepperBall, giving them the qualifications to teach others at their own agencies. 

“It’s important for any agency in the Panhandle to have these types of options,” said Chief of Police Jose Ruiz. “There is a lack of professional training out here, so we want to bring those trainings to us.” 

Most training sessions are in eastern Nebraska or out of state, which makes it difficult for small departments like the KPD to attend due to the added expense of travel, lodging and food, as well as not having enough officers to cover the time away. 

A representative from PepperBall will teach the course, and as Kimball PD is hosting it, anyone from their agency can attend the course for free. 

"Having those options of nonlethal before resorting to a lethal option is better protection for our officers, brings down the civil liability and it also protects the citizens,” Ruiz said. “If someone gets hit with a PepperBall round, that is very different from getting hit from a bullet, so it is an important tool to have.” 

The PepperBall is a nonlethal weapon that is similar to a paintball. It shoots out a round plastic ball that when it makes contact, the plastic shell breaks and disperses the powder from inside. 

“The PepperBall system provides many options that can be utilized to create maximum affect with minimum consequence,” Ruiz said. “It also allows for officers to maintain distance from the subject, giving officers the opportunity to stabilize the situation, assess risks to all parties involved, and develop a plan of action.” 

For registration details and further information, please contact Lori Ferrigno at 858-638-0236 ext. 103 or [email protected].