Pocatello PD use of force simulator
The lethal force of police has grown into a national debate. Countless advocacy groups call violent acts by the police questionable and concerning. However, Pocatello PD is taken this debate head on as they introduce their police training simulation.
They used a computer monitor to display different scenarios on the screen. Police officers then had to respond to the varying situations. Officer Joel Greenland say’s, “That’s why this is so revolutionary because it gives us that opportunity to have those kinds of situations and run through scenarios in an infinite amount of time in a controlled environment. And as you saw, decision have to be made in seconds.”
There are 8 hundred scenarios in total, all having different situations with varying outcomes.
Today, the officers demonstrated an active shooter scene, a hostage scene, and several traffic stops.
Sgt. Bill Collins, explained how this training tool has become very beneficial for the Pocatello PD. “It’s all a learning curve for everybody. This will enhance what you can do on the street when you have situations similar to this that occur. And this is all based off of situations that have actually happened some place. It’s a tool for a judgement call. When you make a decision you have to stick with it and here we can help officers get through that.”
Police officers face people unknown situations on a constant bases so making a clear judgement is paramount. Many times, it can be life or death. “The job can produce unknown situations,” Greenway explains. “We just ask people to remain cooperative respond to questions asked by officers, be as cooperative as possible and everything will be okay, we’re the good guys. That’s what we do.
