Carl Sandburg College’s Criminal Justice Program will soon utilize a simulator to give students experiences in sceneries that law enforcement officials may encounter.
The Board of Trustees last week approved a quote of $67,500 to purchase an Apex Officer Pro Training Simulator System, giving users a tool to test themselves in virtual reality.
System operators can guide through different situations, such as traffic stops, domestic violence calls, and active shooter calls, giving users practice de-escalation tactics that help reduce the potential for higher levels of force to subdue a suspect.
Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Dr. Christopher Barber says the system could be used for training by local law enforcement, corrections officers, and security agencies in addition to holding public awareness demonstrations for community members.
“It is important to have such a tool available for students to experience being a virtual police officer, especially for those who are unsure if this is the right career field for them,” said Dr. Barber in a press release from the community college. “In using this system, our students can gain a better understanding of law enforcement and what makes it such a demanding career.”
Funds to help pay for the new technology will come from a $100,000 Innovative Bridge and Transitions grant from the Illinois Community College Board.
In other action, the board approved a quote of $88,426 from Thomas P. Miller & Associates for assisting the school’s Perkins team in its Perkins Program of Study Approval Process.
The firm will create an equity report and develop an action plan to bridge any uncovered equity gaps in Sandburg’s approval process. Funding for the consultant’s activities comes from the Illinois Community College Board’s Perkins reserve funding for FY 2022.
The board also approved a master service agreement with River City Construction of East Peoria for its construction management services. RCC has already been selected by trustees to serve as construction manager for the new science and technology center on the main campus.