The Police Department is seeking to purchase a LaserShot Use of Force and Training Simulator in order to provide an on-site realistic training option for Riviera Beach Police Officers. As indicated in the final Fiscal Year 2019 Budget, the Police Department developed goals and objectives related to implementing a Critical Decision Making Model for Police Officers that helps Officers assess situations, make safe and effective decisions, and document and learn from their actions. The proposed Simulator will allow the Department to provide this advanced training on a frequent basis, which is needed in order to implement a new use of force model and to change behavior. The Department currently relies on other agencies ranges for firearms qualifications; therefore, the Simulator will provide an alternative and allow for greater repetition of training. Simulators can also be used by citizens which provides a better understanding of the situations and decisions with which Police Officers are faced.
The Final Report by President Obama’s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing provided six (6) pillars that recommended important changes to how Police interact with their communities. The Second Pillar suggested that Police Departments evaluate and address use of force and to incorporate de-escalation tactics. New use of force models have emerged, and the Department is educating its trainers on these new tactics. The proposed Simulator will be an important part of this initiative.
The proposed LaserShot Curved Screen Simulator includes an immersive 130 degree field of view on a 15 foot screen. The system includes all required hardware, which includes a projector, hit detection camera, console, speakers, and control tablet. The system also provides the same weapons (handgun, rifle, taser, pepperspray, etc.) used by Riviera Beach Officers. This system comes with over 900 different scenarios, such as active shooter, traffic stops, etc. The total cost of the Simulator is $58,861, which includes installation and training.