IPS hosts scenario testing and survey for area law enforcement April 20-23
April 8, 2015
SF's Institute of Pubic Safety (IPS) has partnered with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), U.S. Department of Homeland Security, to evaluate several new Firearms Training Simulation (FATS) video-based use-of-force scenarios and to assess the usefulness of eye-tracking equipment in law enforcement training. FATS scenarios simulate real-life use-of-force situations in an interactive computerized video system. Eye tracking equipment can identify what an officer was looking at any given time during a FATS scenario, as a method for determining what an officer observed-or missed. Results of the study will be used to develop and modify use of force training curricula and methodologies and are expected to be published nationwide by FLETC.
Each officer will participate in five scenarios over a one-hour period, each scenario ranging from two to four minutes in length, some of which could involve the application of deadly force. At the conclusion of each scenario, the officer will complete a brief survey to provide their perception of the situation at hand and the reasoning behind their response. The data collected will be used to improve use-of-force training for law enforcement officers nationwide. We are excited that Santa Fe College and our training partners will be in the forefront of such an important and worthwhile cause-saving lives.
Sixty officers will be scheduled to participate in the scenarios at IPS. Four officers have been invited to participate from each of the following agencies: Alachua Police, Bradford County Sheriff, High Springs Police, Lawtey Police, Santa Fe College Police, and Starke Police. Six officers have been invited from the University of Florida Police. Gainesville Police is planning to send 14 officers, and 16 deputies have been invited from the Alachua Sheriff's Office. FLETC and IPS endeavor to provide a cross-section of participants that reflects the overall demographic makeup of the agencies as closely as possible in terms of race, gender, age, and years of law enforcement experience.
The scenarios will be tested on Monday, April 20, from 2 - 6 p.m.; Tuesday, April 21, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Wednesday, April 22, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.; and Thursday, April 23, 8 a.m. - noon.
