Dane County Buying Equipment To Train Police To Diffuse Violence

The Dane County Sheriff’s Department plans to buy a use-of-force simulator to better train officers in how to de-escalate hostile situations before using a gun, taser or pepper spray.

All police officers across the state get some training in de-escalation, but Dane County Sheriff Dave Mahoney said there aren’t enough simulators available to give his deputies the use-of-force training he feels they need. He said he wants to ensure his officers are just as skilled at knowing when to shoot as they are at knowing when not to.

“You know, what we’re seeing nationwide are instances where there were opportunities to de-escalate, particularly in the use of deadly force,” said Mahoney. “So, my desire is to have a simulator where we can regularly train folks to hone their de-escalation skills.”

The $97,000 simulator the department has requested allows the trainer to change the video simulation as the officer is interacting with it. This allows officers to see how de-escalating can prevent the need to use force.

Mahoney said currently his officers only have a chance once a year to use the Madison Police Department’s simulator. He said having an in-house unit for the county will allow for more frequent and intensive use.