High-Tech Simulator Keeps Training Real
The Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission paid Tennessee-based Aegis Interactive Systems about $7,000 for a week’s use of a trailer outfitted with high-tech simulation technology. A hundred regional police officers took part in the virtual training, which is played out on an 8-foot by 10-foot screen and includes the ability for the controller of the system to shoot .68-caliber nylon balls at officers to simulate bullets.
Officers use partitions in the trailer to avoid getting shot. The system, which is controlled by a computer, can even replay encounters for evaluation purposes and freeze frames to display where shots went.
Southwestern Illinois Law Enforcement Commission director Roger Richards reports that the system’s ability to fire at officers raises participants’ stress levels, which is an important factor to account for. He said available funding and officer assessments could encourage further rental of the simulator.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center(NLECTC) from SiliconValley.com (01/11/05); Brueggemann, Brian.
