Police officers from across New England enter a building on Water Street in Augusta on Tuesday during the basic Special Weapons and Tactics training school being taught this week by the National Tactical Officers Association.

The annual program is being attended by 13 police officers from across New England, according to Augusta Police Chief Robert Gregoire, to learn about advanced safety and apprehension techniques.

This is third time the class, taught by retired Tulsa, Okla, police officer Bill Yelton, has been sponsored by the city of Augusta, Gregoire said.