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The Chautauqua County Sheriff's Office is looking to go virtual -- at least as far as some of its training goes.
Undersheriff Richard Telford recently appeared before the Chautauqua County Planning Board and discussed some possible projects for the Sheriff's Department using American Rescue Plan Act funds. One of the items discussed was $200,000 for a Virtual Reality Training Unit program.
There's two different styles of virtual reality training they're examining. One is where deputies would wear VR goggles. The other systems are designed as a projector on a screen or multiple screens. "This allows officer trainees to be in real life situations," he said.
In both training scenarios, the weapons would be identical to what officers use in real life. The computer is run by an instructor so they can choose different paths for interaction.
Telford gave the example that an officer would be shown a domestic dispute. Depending on the questions the officer asks, the instructor could escalate or de-escalate the situation. "We could have the suspect on the screen pull a gun or pull a knife. He could pull a knife and run away. He could pull a knife and maybe run at the officer," he said.
The computer will score the officers' response, including if they use lethal force. "We look to use this not only for officers on the job, it would be perfect for our trainees in our academy. Corrections officers could also use it. We could even open it up to the public to have a citizens academy," Telford said.
The systems also have a lot of variables. For example programmers can add long guns or pepper spray. It can also train one or two officers simultaneously.
Telford said they have not decided if they prefer the goggles or the screen style virtual reality. He said the graphics in the goggles are stronger, however some police officers around the country that have used the goggles said they got vertigo from using it.
Telford said there would still be other types of training officers will continue to use, including using live ammunition at their shooting range. "This (virtual training) would enhance our ability," he added.
The $200,000 requested from the American Rescue Plan Act would be used to get the program going. Telford said there would be an added annual cost which would just become part of their budget.
Other proposed ARPA spending projects for the Sheriff's Office include improvements to their break room, new lockers and new dispatch furniture.
No final decision have been made. The county Planning Board members were shown the proposals so they could rank different possible spending projects, not only from the Sheriff's Office but other departments as well, including CARTS, the county landfill, and the Building and Grounds Department.
Their rankings will be given to the Chautauqua County Legislature, which would have to give final approval for any spending.