Simulation aids police decision making in discharging weapons

Commissioner Celvin G Walwyn

Basseterre, St. Kitts, April 23, 2013 (SKNIS): Law enforcement officers in St. Kitts and Nevis are taught to use their weapon as a last resort and a new piece of equipment is aiding that decision making process.

Commissioner of Police Celvin G. Walwyn revealed that a Firearms Training Simulator donated to the Royal St. Christopher and Nevis Police Force (RSCNPF) by its counterpart in the United States Virgin Islands has been quite useful in training exercises.

“It places officers in a position to make a decision whether to shoot or don’t shoot and we have seen a reduction in the use of firearms by police officers as a result of this training,” he stated.

The US $36,000.00 technological tool is being used in keeping with the Agency’s “Use of Force Policy” that was designed to ensure the safety and security of citizens and police officers.

Commissioner Walwyn added that the RSCNPF also has relationships with the Orange County Sherriff’s Office in Florida which provides invaluable training for local officers at no cost to the Government. Additionally, an agreement with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office in Texas will facilitate an exchange between officers of both agencies.