Emergency Services Personnel Computer Training
Emergency Services personnel receive extensive training in their academy. In the initial phase of training, the subject matter is mainly academic. Law enforcement personnel, for one, cover topics such as state law, drug recognition, hazardous materials recognition, and more thorough hours of classroom instruction. The remainder of the training cycle is hands-on training.
For some of the hands-on training, computers are central. For example, law enforcement students encounter “shoot or don’t shoot” scenarios. These situations are played out similar to video games, in which the officer stands on a padded surface that can detect every movement, such as kneeling, ducking, or shifting side to side. While the officer stands on the surface, he or she has a weapon “holstered” and then is provided a scenario in which he or she must decide whether or not he or she should shoot a subject. While the training happens, the officer’s every action or lack thereof is monitored, including verbal commands that are given to the “subject.” This computer training is invaluable and has been over the years because it provides such significant evaluation of prospective law enforcement officials.
Within the world of emergency services, certification is mandatory. Emergency services personnel include fire, police and EMS officials. In most states, these people are required to maintain certification through a points system. Emergency services personnel must earn points through course completion. There is also annual certification in different subject matter and annual recertification for those courses already taken.
In addition to the points earned for required academic subjects, there are points awarded for similar training courses. These ‘extra’ subject matter are often considered an acceptable substitution for required subjects.
For the past 15 years, budget constraints and other factors have meant that annual academic subject matter is being revamped to accommodate computer training. This has allowed a cost-effective alternative to on-site training for state and local agencies. Because of this, budgets are not stretched as thin, so that funds are available for special projects and other needs.
There are many ways in which computer training is received by emergency services personnel. Among the many important classes, for example, are hazardous material recognition classes. These courses are beneficial to complete for two reasons. First of all, the material in question can be covered easily during a shift, and instant results are given. Because a computer-training course can be completed during a shift, it’s cost effective for small departments and saves on such things as wear and tear on vehicles, travel expenses, and time lost to training.
For policemen desiring to obtain training on subject matter that would normally require their attendance at a far off training conference, this is a boon. Computer training courses covering topics such as drug recognition are relatively easy to find. These courses are generally recognized by the respective law enforcement training division of the given state.
While a policemen may be discouraged from taking such a course during duty hours, it is entirely possible to complete such a course during off-duty hours. Again, this type of computer training course benefits not only the officer, but the Department.
Perhaps the biggest benefit of computer training for emergency services personnel occurs off the job. That is, they have more time for often-neglected family life.
Tags: pc, computer software, computer accessories