Perry Police Foundation reveals new training simulator, aiming to train officers in a controlled environment

PERRY – The Perry Police Foundation unveiled a new training simulator at the Perry Police Department on Thursday, Sept. 18. The simulator will improve training on de-escalation and use-of-force protocols. 

The Perry Police Foundation purchased a Dart Max system to improve the department’s training.

During the unveiling, Corporal Marcus Camps and Lieutenant Chris Sutcliff demonstrated how the simulator works. 

Officers engage in real-life interactive scenarios involving de-escalation. To be more realistic, the simulator includes voice interaction and local settings, like the Fairgrounds and Ag Center. 

The simulator provides officers with the ability to engage in realistic scenario-based training to enhance their high-pressure decision making skills and focus on fundamentals in a controlled environment. 

Camps said many new recruits at the police department have never shot a gun or rifle before and the most intimidating parts about firearms are the noise, recoil and extra stimulus. When conducting firearm drills, the “gunshots” can be set at a lower volume to ease officers into the training.

The drills involve targets, some with their hands up. Camps said trainees have to pay attention to the targets individually because some have a phone in their hand, which could be mistaken for a weapon. 

Camps shared it takes 1.5 seconds for an officer to respond to a threat from the moment the weapon is recognized. The simulator trains muscle memory and officers are responsible for everything they point a gun at. It will also teach trainees critical skills like shooting moving targets and in the dark.

Chief Alan Everidge also spoke during the event, saying the department always strives for improvement by upgrading equipment to better train officers. 

“We want to be able to deescalate every situation, but sometimes that’s not the case. We also want to be as well prepared to protect themselves and protect our communities,” he said. 

Sutcliff said more benefits include officers becoming familiar with equipment, learning how to draw guns from their holster, and learning how to present and locate what they need to shoot before magazine changes. 

Everidge said without the foundation’s donation, he did not see the department having the equipment in the future. He believes whether it’s a new hire or a person who has been with the police department for years, everyone will benefit from the simulator. 

The simulator will also be incorporated into their Citizens Police Academy and Firearm Safety classes. 

Sutcliff said the department was limited on what they can do with an officer at the shooting range. Now, officers can run through holster drills or target identification drills without spending excessive time at the range or risk of inclement weather.

Sutcliff thinks the simulator at the police department is amazing. He shared since officers carry firearms, they need to be comfortable and receive proper training. It also reassures citizens to know their taxpayer dollars are going towards training officers to be better.

“Sometimes it’s not a skill that they practice a lot of, but having this kind of system, I can come here and call an officer in three [to] four days a week. We’re going to run these drills and it just gets them more familiar and comfortable with it,” he said. “… Tax dollars being spent are not being spent on a toy, it’s being spent on something that can train officers to a better level than what they already are.”

Perry Police Foundation President Keith Beckham shared the organization’s mission is fundraising to advance public safety and community policing. Funds are invested into initiatives that improve the quality and effectiveness of police services, he said. 

The foundation also strives to foster positive relationships between the police and the public as well as honor the sacrifices and achievements of police officers. 

Beckham said the foundation raises money through the Less Crimes Act passed by the State Legislature in 2022. The Perry Police Foundation was established after the act passed. 

The Less Crimes Act aims to help raise funds locally for police organizations, sheriff offices and similar organizations in the state. Beckham said it gave donors the opportunity to use a “dollar for dollar” Georgia income tax deduction for any donation.

He encouraged people to talk with their CPA prior to filing taxes and consider making a donation to the Perry Police Foundation. 

To learn more about the Perry Police Foundation, click here.