Simulators?

[jnc36rcpd]

We just installed a Ti Training simulator. I think simulators are a great tool, but not to the exclusion of force-on-force or realistic live-fire training. All of these tools have their advantages and disadvantages.

While spendy to purchase, simulators are relatively low cost to operate. While safety protocols are necessary, they are somewhat failsafe and fast to implement. Moreover, simulators allow officers to experience complex scenarios that would be expensive or dangerous to conduct using other methodologies. For instance, in one scenario, my partner and I were on foot patrol when we were suddenly assaulted by gang bangers in a drive-by. (Did not see That one coming.) That would have been impossible to do with marking rounds or live fire.

The downside of simulators is that the officer usually cannot alter tactics. He or she is going to go up the stairs or into the backyard because that is how the simulator is programed. That said, I think simulators can be a great tool to work on observation, decision-making, and to some extent, marksmanship.

[MD7305]

Our regional academy also has the Ti Training simulator, one fixed to a dedicated room at the academy and another portable unit that can be loaned out to agencies. I believe it's a great tool especially when reinforcing that not every scenario is a shooting, some involve ASP, OC, Taser or a combo. The scenarios can be altered to take different paths so the user doesn't know what's exactly going to happen. The selection of scenario types from EDP to military roadblocks to traffic stops is great.

We've also been using it when we begin introductory firearms. When we discuss grip, stance, presentation we use a bullseye/firing range program. The fine accuracy and sight alignment can't be diagnosed as well as conventional range time though but in the years since we've used this approach we've found we have to spend less time covering those basics on the line, only fine tuning.

As anything else it's a great tool when used maturely and professionally, otherwise it's a big expensive first person shooter video game.