Firearms Training Simulator (F.A.T.S.)

he F.A.T.S. system is an advanced firearms simulator that features system operated weapons that actually recoil and give shot sounds. The older version that we had used "stand alone" weapons which means the guns were not connected to the system and did not recoil. Also the old machine did not "branch" the scenario. Once started, the scene played out to completion, regardless of the action taken by the student. Sometimes that was a disadvantage to training due to our use of force policies.

The new machine we have is a branching type which gives the operator more control over the scenario. The trainee is introduced to the system by explaining that they may be on duty in uniform, or in plain clothes, they may be working solo or with other officers (this would be evident by other uniform personnel talking to the camera). Use of verbal commands and use of available cover/concealment is expected of the trainee. Once the scenario begins, the trainee is expected to behave as they would if this were an actual encounter.

The scenarios can range from pedestrian investigations to felony warrants and many "routine" situations may be explored with various outcomes. For example, a boyfriend/girlfriend disturbance call has several different outcomes. At the operators discretion, the female on location may verbally abuse officers and walk away, another outcome with the same scenario is that the female throws the knife in her hand at officers and in a third she would drop the knife and draw and fire a pistol.

The camera mounted on the front of the unit records the trainees shots fired. Most scenarios allow for interaction causing the suspects to fall if struck, and in some cases, if a non vital area is hit, the suspects aggression may continue even though wounded. This gives the trainee the opportunity to respond with as much force as necessary to overcome the threat.

At the conclusion of the scenario, a freeze frame is presented and the trainee is rated with good or poor judgment. After assessing the use of force and the trainee articulates their actions, the scenario is then reviewed at the point of the threat or action which prompted the trainee to use force. The degree of force available to the trainee ranges from mere presence to deadly force. Pepper spray is available with the system controlled weapons, however, use of a baton or control holds must be verbalized by the trainee.

So far it has proved to be a very valuable tool in recruit training as it requires the trainee to explain the use of force and how to apply it. I hope this overview is helpful.

The Firearms Training Simulator in use by the Philadelphia Police Department was acquired from FATS® Virtual Training Solutions Company, 7340 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suwanee, Georgia 30024. USA. Toll Free Phone: (800) 813-9046. All references to "FATS" systems on our website (www.ppdonline.org) are referring to the systems made by FATS, Inc. (Suwanee, GA).