Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/303456
27 www.officer.com May 2014 Law Enforcement Technology DISASTER RESPONSE ponent of training…so it was easy to jus- tify why we needed that equipment." To date, ALERRT has received more than $25 million in state and federal funding, not including private and state- based funding. That's a lot of money (and time) dedicated to training for an event that historically resolves in ten minutes or less. As one might imagine training equip- ment options are diversifying; South Bend is certainly not alone in building up its cache of instructive resources. A com- bination of classroom instruction and on-site drills are meant to give 'the big picture', and many companies are looking to help supplement these programs. Mental conditioning One available training option hinges on getting officers to think hard about a situ- ation before picking up a weapon, before the adrenaline kicks in. Tim Connors is a West Point graduate and senior manager of the law enforcement and security divi- sion at CAAS LLC. He began working with police agencies after 9/11, when he was part of the Manhattan Institute think tank tasked with analyzing how police were adapting to the attacks. He worked exclusively with NYPD for a while, before heading out West and eventually overseas. From there Connors began developing educational programs. At one point he got in with a company doing cultural awareness and training for troops going to Iraq and Afghanistan. "I thought, they ought to get into the police market. Because…talking with a lot of police in the field and chiefs, they all seemed to mention they needed a better tool, especially for young officers, which was engaging and computer-based. The people who were coming up weren't learning the same way officers had in the past." As a trainer, Connors saw a need for a new product that has officers think- ing on their feet. Imagine a television episode that's professionally written—dramatic and interesting—and fuse it with an inter- active video game. The ACT (Active Continuous Training) program focuses on critical decision-making. In a way the related series of scenarios resemble a 'Choose Your Own Adventure' book, except you may be the only responder on-scene in the halls of an elementary school, searching out the shooter. "It's backed up with research," says Connors. Users can view vetted source material relating to any decision he or she makes. "At the end of it, we're hoping you will have thought very deeply about this one, seemingly minor thing. It's a big decision to make, but in the course of the situation it's going to take only a split sec- ond. Every action is subjective, but that's just the point. Circle 40 on Reader Service Card CUBIC R Enabling a safer world ™ www. cubic .com Come see us at FBINAA in Philadelphia July 27 & 28 PRISim ® is now part of Cubic - The world leader in tactical training solutions. Ph: 800-327-1020 PRISim@cubic.com LET_24-28_ShooterTraining0514.indd 27 4/18/14 3:27 PM