Waynesburg University recently unveiled its new Laser Shot Firearms Training Simulator in the University’s CSI Center.
The simulator will enable criminal justice students to gain experience in conflict resolution, judgment, tactics and weapons familiarization and will also be available to area law enforcement agencies for training purposes.
“We are honored to share this resource with the surrounding community by offering training opportunities to regional law enforcement agencies,” said Waynesburg University President Douglas G. Lee.
Representatives from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Pittsburgh Field Office, Fayette County and Greene County Drug Task forces, Greene County District Attorney's Office, Greene County Sheriff's Department, Greene County and Washington County Probation offices, Pennsylvania State Police and the Waynesburg Borough Police Department attended the initial training session on March 20.
Waynesburg University first purchased a Laser Shot Firearms Training Simulator in 2011, at the time as the only institution of higher education in the region to offer this type of training. The upgraded system doubles the number of use of force scenarios available, where participants utilize verbal de-escalation and other techniques, preparing for various possible outcomes.
“I commend Waynesburg University for integrating this simulator technology into their curriculum,” said Louis Weiers, supervisory special agent with the ATF. “The type of immersive training that the students as well as my fellow law enforcement partners will be undergoing will better prepare these crime fighters for the encounters that they will be having in the streets.”
Offering students the opportunity to learn technical skills from experienced professionals in a hands-on setting from day one, Waynesburg’s Criminal Justice Administration Program was recently ranked in the top five percent nationwide in College Factual’s ranking, published by USA Today.
“We are teaching the next generation of law enforcement professionals the use-of-force continuum from their freshman year through their senior year,” said Adam Jack, chair of the Department of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, associate professor of criminal justice and director of the Master of Arts in Criminal Investigation Program. “We have 41 freshmen this year in the program. All 41 have used this system, so it’s not something students have to wait until their senior year to utilize.”
Laser Shot is one of the fastest growing leaders in firearm and force option training solutions for military and law enforcement professionals. Recognized worldwide for its innovative training products, Laser Shot incorporates both patented and COTS technologies in developing accurate, dependable and effective training systems.
Founded in 1849 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Waynesburg University is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with three additional sites located in the Pittsburgh region. The University is one of only 22 Bonner Scholar schools in the country, offering local, regional and international opportunities to touch the lives of others through service.
