High-tech training system keeps local officers' decision making skills in check

by Natalie Myers
Staff Writer

Red laser beams shoot through the dark room as the officer takes action to stop criminals from harming him. Equipped with a laser firearm and pepper spray weighing heavily around his waist, the officer observes the scenario unfolding on the large computer screen in front of him and waits to take appropriate action.

The Ohio University Police Department and other local law enforcement officers are using this state-of-the-art technology to put their skills to work in their annual firearm training simulation this week.

The Fire Arms Training System, distributed by Galileo Systems, is a computer-based system that simulates real-life situations through staged videotaped scenarios. The firearms used are specially adapted for the screen and provide a realistic feel.

"We are trying to create real-life situations so we know our officers have had that kind of training," said Brenda Noftz, OUPD associate director.

OUPD chooses programs that address officers' judgment and decision-making abilities, Noftz said. But not all of the situations are ones that officers face every day.

"(The system) trains officers when not to shoot," OUPD Lt. Steve Noftz said. "It is an intense situation where officers have to make decisions fast."

In one scenario, Noftz approached a suspicious vehicle parked behind a warehouse. Suddenly an armed man walked out of the warehouse and began firing at him. The officer then began shooting at the armed man and another one who was shooting at him from a vehicle.

After each scenario, a replay allows the computer and a trainer to evaluate the officer on his or her strong and weak tactics.

"I think it is a very effective program," said OUPD Officer Don Combs, a past participant. "It's about as realistic as you can get."

OUPD has rented the training system, which costs about $2,000 per week, once a year for the past six years, said Brenda Noftz.

"We can only afford it once a year," she said.

Every OUPD officer participates in the training session, as do some officers from the Athens Police Department and Athens County Sheriff's Office, said Steve Noftz.