Simulator Shooting and Situational Awareness: Comparing Social Responses to Law Enforcement Conduct

• In Event: Applied Police Research

Abstract

Socially, citizens are exposed to many aspects of the criminal justice system causing an overinflated understanding and critique of real life experiences. Policing in particular has been under a harsh critical lens due to high profile cases of potentially questionable officer actions. This study analyzes police perceptions both before and after experience in a firearm simulator used in officer training. Participants are organized into focus groups from various representative community diversity groups. The study provides insight into potential shifts of opinion based on first-hand experience within a simulated shooting incident, along with comparisons of opinions within different community groups. Implications will be discussed.

Authors

• Shavonne Arthurs, Seton Hill University

• John A Lewis, Indiana University of Pennsylvania