By Joyce McKenzie
The Tampa Tribune
TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla.— When a police officer takes his oath of office, he vows to constantly strive to protect members of the public against possible harm to themselves or their property.
In the process, he’s also encouraged to take precautionary measures to safeguard his personal safety.
Under his watch, Temple Terrace Police Chief Tony Velong deems both objectives are best accomplished by providing every law enforcement official with the tools and training necessary to minimize the potential for injury or loss of life.
Therefore, with a $58,000 contribution from an anonymous donor and his blessing, the department recently purchased a firearms training simulator. It’s manufactured by Laser Shot, a Houston-based company that since 1999 had sold more than 1,000 such systems across the country, including to U.S. military units, the National Nuclear Security Administration and the FBI.
The tutorial package consists of a laser detection camera, a laptop computer, a video projector and a screen. It also includes laser-equipped handguns and laser inserts to fit the system-provided mock AR-15 rifles and 870 Remington shotguns.
During the training process, officers view computer-generated videos and select from among three possible responses to potentially dangerous scenarios. They can either negotiate a compliance agreement with the perpetrator, they may use a Taser on the subject or they can opt to shoot the suspect. The program’s reaction is based on the officers’ commands.
The portable system also allows police officers to videotape set-up situations that reflect incidents they are likely to encounter in their daily duties. Traffic stops and domestic disturbance incidents are among them.
“It’s great because it’s transportable, so we can use it anywhere: the rec center, the fire department or out on the street,” said Cpl. Mike Hensel, who’s charged with training department officers who also will become system trainers.
Another one of its capabilities is enhancing the officers’ marksmanship skills through its target shooting component. It allows an officer to practice either by himself or in friendly competition with a fellow law enforcement official.
Department members are encouraged to hone their skills at their leisure, including before or after shifts or during lunch breaks. The training system keeps a log of their time.
“I think it’s going to save us a lot of money because it won’t interfere with our day-to-day operations, and we’ll get more done with less money,” said Hensel, who’s been with the department 15 years.
Cpl. Charles “Chuck” Phillippi, a 26-year veteran of the city’s police force, agreed.
“It’s an awesome addition to our department because it’ll save us from having to travel 35 miles to train at the Hillsborough County sheriff’s tactical training center on [County Road] 39,” he said. “We don’t have a large budget like the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s [Office] does, so this is a real blessing to get.”
Patrol Officer Jacob Carlisle recalled using a similar system while serving in the military. However, he prefers this program.
“A lot of the other systems have no intelligence, but this one gives us options and is very fluid,” he said.
Tony Daiuto, also a patrol officer, appreciates the fact videos may be customized to meet the needs of the department.
“I also like that we as officers have the option to determine if we want to use lethal or non- lethal shots,” he said.
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