Introduction: Decision making is a critical part of a police officer’s daily routines. Improving the ability to make proper decisions with accuracy improves the response and effectiveness of proper outcomes. The purpose of this study was to determine if a 4 week/twice per week 15-minute video simulation intervention program would improve coincidence anticipation timing in police officers.
Methods: Relatively healthy police officers (age 39+17 years; height 175.28 + 12.72 cm; mass 88 + 25.4 kg) from a Midwest law enforcement agency were selected for the 4-week study. A one group pre/post design (n=15) was selected for this investigation. Coincidence Anticipation timing scores were measured pre/post using a Bassin anticipation timer (Model 35575 Lafayette Instruments, Lafayette, IN) The object stimulus speed was set at 3 mph in accordance with prior studies. The pre and post time scores were measured in .001 seconds. A Virtra (V-100 model, Tempe, AZ), a 300-degree active video shooting simulator was selected as the intervention. Each participant performed a different video moving target simulation for 15 minutes, two times per week, for 4 consecutive weeks.
Results: A dependent t-test (SPSS ver. 26) determined a significant relationship (p = 0.035) between pre and post coincidence anticipation scores after 4 weeks.
Discussion: Moving video shooting simulations provided the ability for subjects to actively track targets compared to older video methods. This investigation was a novel approach towards proving dynamic video shooting simulations can improve object interception scores within several weeks of active practice. In conclusion, a 4-week video simulation training program can significantly improve coincidence anticipation timing in police officers.
Impact and application to the field: Concurrent and additional training for police officers using video simulators can help with decision-making process while out in the field. Constant training interventions are necessary to maintain readiness of law enforcement personnel to reduce injuries and fatalities.
Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of relevance to the submission of this abstract.
