Investing in high-tech solutions to better train officers in the community is always a smart move and also a good look. Community leaders, politicians and even citizens feel better knowing that law enforcement in their town or city are being trained properly and efficiently.
Bringing in new technology such as a VirTra simulator catches attention, and this is often used to host media days or even events where public officials and leaders can learn more. Demonstrations on VirTra’s simulator not only has shown citizens, politicians and news outlets that an agency is being trained well, but due to the immersive technology, they gain a better understanding of the split-second decisions and stressful events officers must go through.
The Public Safety Training Foundation in Decatur, IL, located on the Macon County Law Enforcement Training Center campus, has three V-300® use-of-force training simulators. Two of the simulators train new recruits and are also used for community outreach, and the third is for sustained training of experienced local officers. According to Public Safety Training Foundation’s Director of Communications, Chelsey Keyes, approximately 200 non-law enforcement community members have been hosted. Even the Mayor of Decatur, Julie Moore Wolfe, has gotten a chance to participate.
“Most of us will never face the split-second decisions police are forced to make in the line of duty “said Mayor Wolfe, one of the many public figures who have gotten a VirTra demonstration through Public Safety Training Foundation. “I firmly believe all Illinois lawmakers need to experience this training as they explore police reform.”
The Public Safety Training Foundation, a non-profit organization, is dedicated on providing training programs to law enforcement members in not just Macon County, but surrounding areas as well. As mentioned in their mission statement, The Foundation aims to “ensure that first responders are well-equipped to serve their community.” The foundation has begun to host civilian groups that sign up to experience various scenarios on the V-300. Those attending are made aware of the difficult decisions officers must make when facing a threat as well as the immense stress they cope with from these situations.
If you would like to experience an eye-opening demonstration of VirTra’s high fidelity training simulators in any region of the country, contact us.
