Western NE police use new simulator to stay ready for any situation
Domestic disputes, suspicious vehicles and even active shooters; with the M.I.L.O training system, law enforcement agencies across the panhandle have a new way to sharpen their skills.
By News Channel Nebraska
SIDNEY, NE — Domestic disputes, suspicious vehicles and even active shooters; with the M.I.L.O training system, law enforcement agencies across the panhandle have a new way to sharpen their skills.
"Me personally, I think this is going to give us better training than going to the range," Cheyenne County Sheriff's Deputy Tony Knappen said.
Short for Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives, the M.I.L.O. system can run agencies through thousands of scenarios virtually and safely.
"Even on the range with live ammunition, we can't replicate some of these safely," Knappen said. "Whether it's a stolen car or an active shooter situation, we're not going to have you get in a car and say, 'Okay drive down this dirt road while we shoot at you.'"
Knappen says they can send the scenarios in different directions based off the trainee’s actions.
"I'll be selecting options back at [the computer]," Knappen said while explaining the system to NCN. "If you're real amped up I can make them pull a gun, I can make them pull a cell phone just to see how you are going to react to that."
Wednesday, News Channel Nebraska's Elic Chisam and Hunter Arterburn were invited to try out the new training simulator. The two got a first hand look at how intense and real the scenarios feel.
Western Nebraska agencies have access to the MILO system through a parternship with Western Nebraska Community College. The college owns the machine and loans it out to police departments free of charge on request.
"It is awesome they're willing to do that," Knappen said. "This system is a very expensive system. Cheyenne County I don't think would ever be able to afford one. The Sidney PD I don't think could ever afford one."
He says it’s a vital tool that keeps them prepped for even the most rare and serious situations.
"You can watch PowerPoints, you can do movement drills all day long, but until you're able to put yourself in that position to maintain those skills, law enforcement is heavy on skillsets," Knappen said. "It's very easy to lose those skill sets if you're not using them."