POCATELLO — Facing life-sized images projected on a training-room wall, Pocatello Police officer Jordan Johnson drew his TASER, while officer Joel Greenway aimed his handgun.
“Look what you did to my car!” a livid man featured in the video shouted, before punching another man.
It was one of about 800 interactive scenarios available on the department’s new MILO Range system, a training tool featuring video images that respond to laser fire from officers’ simulated weapons. Each scenario has several outcomes, controlled via computer by an instructor overseeing the drill, based on officers’ actions.
The city paid about $60,000 to purchase the training system last August. The department organized a Thursday-morning demonstration to share the technology with the public.
“Get away from each other,” Johnson ordered the men in the video.
“On your knees now! Keep your hands where we can see them!” Greenway then yelled at the aggressor.
The suspect reached for a knife, and Johnson fired his TASER. When the less-lethal approach failed to stop his progress, Greenwell fired his handgun, and the suspect fell to the ground. During subsequent sessions, the officers successfully apprehended the suspect by using the TASER or just by talking with him.
“It doesn’t replace us going to the range, but it enhances that,” Lt. Bill Collins said. “Here we can have officers doing a judgment call.”
The guns have air cartridges to simulate recoil, and they mimic the models of handguns and rifles that the officers carry. The simulations also respond to less-lethal weapons, such as TASERS and pepper spray, and can be made darker, requiring officers to use their flashlights.
Collins said officers sometimes run on a treadmill, or jog in the hall, before attempting a simulation, assessing how well they perform when they’re winded. The department also uses the technology for target-shooting practice, though the scores don’t count for official police certifications.
Using the simulator is cheaper and safer than firing live rounds, Collins added. Collins said surrounding departments have an open invitation to use the system.
Johnson said teams of officers often use the system to practice marksmanship in advance of qualifications testing.
“You can’t replace actually going up and firing rounds, but what is easier to do is judge reaction combined with that marksmanship and accuracy,” Johnson said. “Here we are able to bring in the decision-making process in dynamic situations.”