Wisconsin County Starts High-Tech Crisis Intervention Training

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(TNS) — Law enforcement officials are undergoing new training Thursday to advance their skills in crisis interventions, response and de-escalation.

The initiative is being funded by a grant that the Chippewa County Criminal Justice Services Department received for about $24,000 to incorporate a Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives Range Advanced Training Simulator into field training.

MILO is a portable simulator. The technology provides opportunities to train on multiple topics and challenges faced not only by law enforcement but by crisis intervention teams.

The grant came from the Wisconsin Department of Justice by the Bureau of Justice Assistance.

Representatives from each law enforcement jurisdiction in Chippewa County, including the sheriff’s office and Bloomer, Stanley, Lake Hallie, Chippewa Falls, Cadott, and Cornell police departments will receive the training Thursday, according to a release from Chippewa County Criminal Justice Services.

According to the MILO website, MILO simulators help with training for the real world.

“In law enforcement, the difference between knowing a skill and applying it correctly can be the difference between life and death. Training that focuses only on skills leaves officers unprepared for the unpredictability of the job,” the website says. “But by designing programs that develop capabilities and assess competencies, agencies ensure that their officers are ready for anything.”

The system provides a controlled and consistent testing platform for multiple agencies, stakeholders and trainees at one time. The simulator will later be incorporated into regular field training practice along with being highlighted at community events.

“We are excited to have another tool to assist officers in making critical decisions in the field related to crisis response events,” said Chippewa Falls Police Chief Ryan Douglas. “The ability to have a portable judgement and de-escalation simulator available to all law enforcement jurisdictions will have a positive impact county-wide.”