October 27, 2011
Last week I attended the intro to call simulation class. Only half the class was there, as the other half was at the shooting range facility. For the last week or two, they’ve been split into two groups. Some days one group is at the range and the other is in class. Some days they’re all together in class.
Call simulation days, or scenario days, occur six times throughout the Academy Foundations training. On these days, recruits are given scenarios and have to respond exactly how they would if they were on patrol at a call for service.
The call simulation days are a culmination of all the skills the recruits have learned up to that point: tactical communication, investigations, control tactics, documentation, firearms, and academic studies including criminal law and provincial statutes and bylaws.
The day-long training session is designed to systematically test and develop multiple skills the recruits need prior to working on the street. It tests their physical skills, mental processes, knowledge and techniques.
A key part to the simulation days is that it not only allows instructors to evaluate the recruits, but the recruits can also assess their own skills and comfort levels in practical situations.
I think these days are stressful on the recruits, as it is a practical evaluation. Going into it, they don’t know the scenarios and know that almost anything can be thrown at them. Based on what I’ve seen in the class, they’ll do great. I hope to attend their first call simulation day next week.
Past recruit at scenario day
If you have any questions at all, feel free to email me at recruitblog@edmontonpolice.ca. I’ll answer the best I can.