Miami police and the Israeli Consulate on Sunday conducted "Operation Alliance," a joint training exercise to test the police department's response to a potential domestic terrorism threat.
"We learned how to build our capacities and to use the tactical resources we already have," said Miami police Capt. Richard Walterman, who directed the exercise at 100 N. Biscayne Blvd.
In Sunday's scenario, the terrorists were played by about 50 Miami police officers. The hostages were employees at the Israeli Consulate.
But the training was serious. The "terrorists" were armed with powerful weapons.
"It wasn't an easy scenario," Walterman said. "They had to think outside the normal."
There are more than 60 consulates in Miami.
"It's important to respond to these with professionalism," he said.
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/florida/mh-terrorism-exercise-20110410,0,4588832.story
