Atherton police take advantage of abandoned houses for training Atherton police take advantage of abandoned houses for training (April 28, 2004)

Atherton's police department has capitalized on an unusual benefit of having a number of houses slated for demolition. Chief Bob Brennan said officers have used the properties to hold realistic training exercises.

"If it's about to be demolished, we don't have to worry about tracking in mud, and the (officers) can practice things like kicking down doors," he said.

Officers also don't have to worry about marking the walls when they train with a paintball gun-like device, Chief Brennan said.

"It's a great way to do realistic training, much better than doing it in a parking lot or gymnasium," he said.

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