13-05-2025
New technology helps Tampa police respond to individuals in crisis
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — In light of National Police Week, Tampa Police Department took 8 On Your Side along for some of the training their officers are going through.
This training, they said, helps make their officers the best and keep the community safer.
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Some of the things TPD showed was a virtual reality training, which is where the officer puts on a headset, has a 360-degree view, and can encounter any number of different scenarios.
Their goals are to de-escalate situations and to do everything possible not to use force.
TPD said they can have the best training for their community by staying ahead of the curve with their content and technology when it comes to training their officers.
Some of the training they use is called ICAT, Integrating Communications, Assessment, and Tactics, training.
'This is a comprehensive way of dealing with persons in crisis and resolving situations with less force and more efficiently and more effectively for everybody, especially those in the community,' said TPD training specialist, Jared Douds.
Another type of training their officers are going through is AXON Virtual Reality headsets.
'It allows us to have officers in a simulated three-dimensional environment, go through a variety of training skills. It incorporates things such as weapon skills, with the Taser 10s, it also incorporated de-escalation skills, and scenario-based training, as well,' Douds said.
Chief Lee Bercaw said the training in itself is not new, but the technology to enhance their training is.
These types of training help get officers more engaged and gives them an opportunity to train more.
Instructors have iPads and can intervene or adjust the simulation the officer is going through.
This de-escalation training is something Chief Bercaw said is proving to be successful.
'Last year, our de-escalation was actually up 17%, our use of force was down 11%, so this is just a way to further enhance the training we're already doing and bringing that technology there that makes it more frequent and actually more engaging for the officers,' he said.
The Chief said when his men and women put on their badge and uniform, they are out risking their lives, and they want the most experienced officers on the street answering any call.
Tampa Police said their officers will continue to go through this training through December and next year, as technology continues to advance, they'll adapt this to the new training.
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