There has been a pivotal shift in the approach to police training in the US in recent years. Driven by landmark legislation and innovative training technologies, the landscape is changing to better equip law enforcement officers with the skills they need to protect and serve effectively. From the groundbreaking First Step Act to the transformative George Floyd Justice in Policing Act, these laws underscore a nationwide commitment to improving police training and ensuring officers are prepared for the diverse challenges they face on duty.

If you’re looking to catch up on recent progress, here are some of the key legislative advances in police training from the last decade:

 

1.First Step Act (2018): This act, primarily focused on criminal justice reform and training for correctional officers in prisons, includes provisions for training law enforcement in de-escalation techniques and community engagement, essential for fostering positive interactions between officers and communities.

“The [Bureau of Prisons] must incorporate specialized and comprehensive de-escalation procedures into its training programs.”

 

2. Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (2017): Recognizing the importance of mental health, this legislation supports programs that provide officers with training on mental health issues and resilience, promoting a healthier and more effective police force.

“[Department of Justice] must coordinate with the Department of Health and Human Services to develop educational resources for mental health providers regarding the culture of law enforcement agencies and therapies for mental health issues common to law enforcement officers.”

 

3. George Floyd Justice in Policing Act (2021): Although this act hasn’t yet been enacted into law, it represents a comprehensive effort to address police misconduct and racial bias. It mandates training on racial profiling, de-escalation, and the duty to intervene, enhancing accountability and professionalism in law enforcement.

“…directs [The Department of Justice] to create uniform accreditation standards for law enforcement agencies and requires law enforcement officers to complete training on racial profiling, implicit bias, and the duty to intervene when another officer uses excessive force.”

 

4. Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act (2013, 2022): This act mandates training for officers on domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, ensuring they’re equipped to handle these sensitive situations with care and expertise.

“Requires [government] entities to use grant funds for (1) training programs with respect to domestic violence and sexual assaults against women …”

 

5. Police Training and Independent Review Act (2016): While this act hasn’t yet been enacted into law, it highlights the importance of sensitivity training on ethnic and racial diversity and the establishment of independent review boards to investigate police use of force, reinforcing the need for unbiased and fair law enforcement practices.

“… require all individuals enrolled in an academy of a law enforcement agency and all law enforcement officers of the state to fulfill a training session on sensitivity each fiscal year, including training on ethnic and racial bias, cultural diversity, and police interaction with the disabled, mentally ill, and new immigrants…”

 

6. Bipartisan Safer Communities Act 117th Congress (2022): Enacted into law on June 25, 2022, this act provides funding for training on crisis intervention, de-escalation, and responding to individuals with mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of preparedness in critical situations.

“provides appropriations to agencies and programs within the Department of Justice for…

• crisis intervention programs or initiatives,…
• a community violence intervention and prevention initiative, and
• grants to improve school security.”

 

The Rise of Scenario-Based Training

Building on these legislative advancements, a new wave of training methodologies is emerging, focusing on realistic and immersive scenario-based training. As highlighted in our recent blog, new proposed legislation is pushing for mandatory scenario-based training for law enforcement. This type of training is designed to place officers in simulated real-life situations, allowing them to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment.

 

Benefits of Scenario-Based Training

• Realism and Relevance – By simulating real-world scenarios, officers can experience and respond to situations they are likely to encounter on duty, improving their decision-making and reaction times.
• Safe Learning Environment: Officers can make mistakes and learn from them without the consequences that might occur in real-life situations, leading to better preparedness and confidence.
• Evidence-Based Skill Development – Research consistently shows that engaging in practice with realistic scenarios leads to measurable improvements in skill acquisition and enhances police outcomes.

 

MILO: Leading the Way in Scenario-Based Training

At MILO, we’re committed to advancing the training of law enforcement officers through cutting-edge, scenario-based training systems. Our interactive simulators provide a diverse array of scenarios that challenge officers to think critically and act decisively. By integrating legislative requirements and modern training techniques like Virtual Reality, we help law enforcement agencies comply with agency mandates and meet the evolving demands of their roles while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

As the landscape of police training continues to evolve, embracing innovative approaches like scenario-based training is essential. With the support of progressive legislation and advanced training solutions, we can equip our law enforcement officers with the skills they need to protect and serve our communities effectively and with integrity. To show your support for better law enforcement training and the need for an enhanced scenario-based curriculum, contact your local congressional representative and ask them to co-sponsor S.2637 – Law Enforcement Scenario-Based Training for Safety and De-Escalation Act of 2023.

For more information about our training systems and enhanced scenario-based training programs, visit MILO today.