Article - 10/01/2009
With Commitment to Safety, the County Mutual Offers State-of-the-Art Firearms Training Simulator Free to Members
Sign Up Today for Free Service
Demonstrating their strong commitment to the safety and education of law enforcement, the Wisconsin County Mutual Insurance Corporation has purchased a state-of-the art firearms training simulator. The system, PRISim Portable Trainer Pro, provides realistic use-of-force training that develops the skills required for law enforcement in high-risk environments. It is now available to use and is free for member counties, as well as Community Insurance Corporation member municipalities.
The interactive video system involves real people in real-life situations, such as traffic stops and courtroom backups. There is an extensive library in the system of professionally produced scenarios to enhance training goals. The system has a capture feature which records both audio and video participant reactions to make the most of training debriefing.
Participants in the training are given their choice of a rifle or handgun, which simulate firearm recoil and cycle of operation, including reloads, jams and malfunctions. While situations play out on the large screen, the officers must make quick assessments and decisions on how to act. The actors on the video may pull a weapon and the training participants may fire back.
Once the scenario is over, the training officer or other qualified person running the system has the ability to replay the scene, showing where hits were made, what the officers may have missed and discuss what was done right and what was incorrect.
In addition to the interactive video, the system also has a patented “Shootback Cannon” which simulates return fire and increases the realism of the training environment. The optional-use cannon fires a .68 caliber nylon ball and provides a realistic reminder of the importance of cover and concealment for law enforcement.
The system was set-up at last month’s WCA Conference and many county officials had an opportunity to view the high-tech system up close and give it a try.
“As a retired law enforcement officer with over 30 years on the job, I think this high-tech system will be a good thing for our law enforcement to experience,” said Tom Tallier, Forest County Vice Chair, who tried the system in Sauk County. “There were so many different situations the training went through and it kept you on your toes. You didn’t know what to expect and I believe this will help our law enforcement considerably in their training.”
Bruce Scott of Custom Confidential, a law enforcement training partner of the County Mutual, is responsible for the system. He was a City of Milwaukee police officer and retired after 29 years of service.
“This firearms training simulator has so many benefits. Those using the system are able to fine tune their skills right within their department. They don’t need to travel to a training school to do it,” said Bruce. “You can choose from many different scenarios and it helps with decision making abilities and verbalization skills, as two people can participate at one time.”
The firearm training simulator is already scheduling out into 2009. The system typically stays in a location from two-to-four weeks, depending on the size of the department. The County Mutual also encourages the county or municipality to train with other law enforcement in their area of which they invoke mutual aid.
“If you’re going to make a mistake, you want to make it in training and not on the streets,” said Bruce. “This is purely hands-on training. It is not mandated by the state, but we believe it’s invaluable. We want those protecting us to be safe and believe this system is a highly effective tool for our law enforcement.”
The system is set up by Bruce Scott and the County Mutual. He also provides training on the system on site to the law enforcement’s training officer or individual who handles training. To have the system come to your county or municipality, please contact Bruce Scott at 414.491.1656.