NCJ Number
206938
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 31 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2004 Pages: 60-62,64-66,68
Date Published
August 2004
Length
7 pages
Annotation
After describing the general features of firearms training simulators, this article presents results from the testing of simulators produced by three companies.
Abstract
Firearms training simulators place officers in scenarios that train and test their abilities to judge, reason, and possibly shoot in circumstances they are likely to encounter in the field. The three simulators tested were the Advanced Interactive Systems' PRISim product, IES Interactive Training's Range 3000 XP4 system, and FATS' 200D system. After describing each of the systems tested, test findings are presented regarding marksmanship training, their capacities to vary simulated outcomes, and their capacity to allow the user agency to create its own scenarios or modify the existing ones. The testing team did not find significant differences in product quality. All use a similar instrument to deliver hostile fire; all have low-light capabilities; all allow for varying scenario outcomes; all three allow for live-fire training; and they all provide for users to alter scenarios, albeit by different means. Each product, however, has a training emphasis; for example, the AIS system emphasizes the use of available cover in its scenarios. In conclusion, the author advises that simulators are essential to effective firearms training, because they come as close as possible to placing officers under the stimuli of danger, unpredictability, and unfamiliarity they may encounter in the field.