The Gwinnett County Sheriff's Office is piloting a virtual training system for law enforcement, where deputies can safely test their skills and reaction time in charged simulations.
For the next six to eight months, the department will be part of a national beta test for the Meggitt Training FATS 300LE virtual system. The five-panel screen and surround sound system offers a 300° immersive environment to train law enforcement in use of force evaluations and de-escalation tactics.
"The thing we want to do is get the officer used to doing the right thing in here," Chief Deputy Luis Solis told 11Alive, adding the training system is a safe space for mistakes. "So when we leave here, it's already muscle memory, and it's in his head, 'Hey, I remember this scenario."
Yet, it's difficult to predict reactions in the field so the Meggitt 300LE's system also is customized to change based on the operator or officers' response in training. Trainers recommend officers undertake multiple scenarios per quarter to improve and retain training.
"This state-of-the art technology will help improve judgmental skills and allow our deputies enhanced scenario training in critical areas, such as interacting with individuals with mental health issues, which can be vital in de-escalating situations," Sheriff Butch Conway said.
The company, based in Suwanee, GA, said the system costs anywhere from $30,000 to $120,000. Miami Police Department debuted the testing of the system in early August. The Gwinnett Sheriff's Office is the second department in the country to pilot the program and is hosting the system free of cost. Solis said both rookie and veteran deputies will undergo training; the sheriff's office also plans to invite other law enforcement to utilize the system.
