#United States #Building Shooters #NURO System #Police Training #Mt. Juliet, Tennessee

Mt. Juliet Police Pioneers Decision-Focused Firearms Training

In a groundbreaking move for law enforcement in Tennessee, the Mt. Juliet Police Department has became the first in the state to implement decision-focused firearms training through the use of Building Shooters Technology LLC's (BST) proprietary NURO® System. This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in how officers are trained to react during critical situations, utilizing visual stimuli during live-fire exercises to enhance decision-making and skill proficiency.

Enhancing Officer Training with Visual Stimuli

The new training techniques introduced by BST allow officers to engage with various visual scenarios while on the shooting range. This development encourages officers to think critically and adapt their responses based on the real-time behavior of subjects presented in the training exercises. By integrating these decision-focused training methods, the Mt. Juliet Police aim to improve not only firearms proficiency but also the overall judgment and decision-making capabilities of their officers under pressure.

According to Scott Fulton, Training Sergeant at Mt. Juliet Police Department, “These new tools give us the ability to vary scenarios and better simulate real-life situations. In range training, officers are now required to respond with the appropriate level of force based on what they observe.” He emphasized the focus on adaptability, mentioning that scenarios could even change mid-exposure, further challenging officers’ skills and thought processes.

A Model for Law Enforcement Training

This pioneering initiative in Mt. Juliet follows the successful evaluation and implementation of similar training strategies in New York State, where the Division of Criminal Justice Services first recognized the potential of these advancements. The New York Municipal Police Training Council approved this innovative curriculum in 2022, and it’s now set to be rolled out to over 5,000 recruits annually across all police academies in New York.

The effectiveness of this training approach was spotlighted during the 2023 Annual Public Safety Symposium in Albany, where experts like neuroscience Ph.D. Justin Smith highlighted the benefits of visual stimulus in developing firearms skills. He stated that the incorporation of such training techniques fosters neural adaptations unlike anything previously seen in law enforcement, particularly benefiting officers in high-pressure situations.

A Shift in Law Enforcement Culture

The adoption of decision-focused firearms training signifies not just an update in procedural techniques but also a shift in the broader culture of law enforcement training. It prioritizes thoughtful observation and situational awareness over mere shooting proficiency, which are crucial skills in de-escalating potentially volatile encounters.

“It's not just about proficiency with a weapon; it's about being a thoughtful, observant professional who can quickly assess a situation and respond appropriately,” said Fulton, underlining the department's commitment to comprehensive officer training that encompasses both technical skill and critical thinking.

Building Shooters Technology LLC

Building Shooters Technology LLC is dedicated to enhancing training methods for armed forces, focusing on awareness, decision-making, and de-escalation strategies. Their collaboration with law enforcement agencies aims to not only modernize but also restructure how firearm training is approached across the nation. BST's insights were pivotal in rewriting New York's police recruit firearms training curriculum, and they continue to consult with various agencies to improve training protocols.

For more information about Building Shooters and their innovative products, you can visit their website at buildingshooters.com or follow them on social media @bldg_shooters.

As this training model gains traction, it sets the stage for a new era in law enforcement that not only prepares officers to handle firearms effectively but also equips them to navigate complex human interactions safely and responsibly.