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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE
AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY
ITEM TITLE: Resolution No. 21-R-0084
AGENDA ITEM NUMBER: SF.
A Resolution approving the purchase of an Apex Officer Training
Simulator from GOVRED Technology, Inc. FILE NUMBER:
COMMITTEE AGENDA DATE: September 27, 2021
COUNCIL AGENDA DATE: October 4, 2021
PREPARED BY: Colin Fleury, Chief of Police SIGNATURE
APPROVED BY: Michael Guttman, City Administrator SIGNATURE
ITEM SUMMARY:
The adoption of the “SAFE-T Act” by Governor Pritzker on January 22, 2021 brought challenges to several areas of law
enforcement, with training being one of those areas. As part of the new mandates, we will be required to do 30 extra hours of
training every three years to include:
1) At least 12 hours of hands on, scenario-based role-playing.
2) 6 hours on Use of Force, including de-escalation techniques
3) 6hours of high risk traffic stops
4) Specific training on Officer safety techniques, including cover, concealment and time
These new mandates, along with an increasing emphasis in the law enforcement profession on quality training in general, is
going to create a demand that our existing sources for training likely will be hard-pressed to effectively meet.
In the past several years, significant strides have been made in the delivery of law enforcement-related training using virtual
reality (VR) technology. To that end, we are proposing the purchase of a VR system named “Apex Officer.” Apex Officer
(hereafter, Apex), sold by GOVRED Technology, Inc., is an interactive crisis intervention, de-escalation and force options
training simulator.
The purchase of the Apex system will allow us to fulfill many State training mandates while providing a significant upgrade to
the training we already receive. A study by Dr. Narendra Kini, CEO of Miami Children’s Health Systems, determined
the use of VR technology to deliver training for certain medical procedures resulted in a retention level of 80% one year later.
The Apex system is able to create thousands of different outcomes in hundreds of different scenarios because it is based on
VR technology.
Also factored into the decision to pursue the purchase of this system is the fact while use of force training is obviously
important, exposing officers to situations in which force does not become necessary based on effective de-escalation efforts is
of paramount importance as well. The Apex system allows training to be delivered in which not every scenario culminates
with a use of force. This “shoot don’t shoot”/decision-based training is key to the continued development of a baseline
mindset of our officers that de-escalation, when tactically appropriate, is the preferred approach to conflict resolution.
Additionally, the Apex system allows officers to utilize and train with both lethal and less lethal equipment. The fact the
system operates in a virtual world will allow us to deliver high-impact training without the associated cost for ammunition
(which is becoming increasingly expensive with longer lead times to obtain) as well as reduce the likelihood of injury during
training to officers.
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CITY OF WEST CHICAGO
Opportunities for VR-based training via external training partners are rare. Owning such a system will allow the Department
to train when it wants, as often as it wants. We will not be beholden to the schedules and limits of other organizations and
equipment. This will ultimately cut down on our overtime costs while drastically increasing the training officers receive.
Additionally, use of the VR simulator could also help promote goodwill within the community. The Department could use the
simulator for the Citizens Police Academy, the West Chicago Police Explorer Program, National Night Out and other events
in which it would be beneficial to provide members of the public a realistic experience on what it is like to be a police officer.
Finally, staff has researched other law enforcement-related VR systems and has determined the system sold by GOVRED
Technology, Inc. is by far the most realistic, versatile and highest overall quality such product currently available.
Staff is requesting to purchase an Apex Officer VR simulator for an amount not to exceed $62,500.00. There are no recurring
fees associated with this training system and all software upgrades for the life of the system are included in the quoted price.
This proposed purchase will be made using money from the Drug Asset Forfeiture Fund, which is a restricted fund from
which only: eligible equipment purchases may be made; no personnel/benefit, non-police-related capital or other routine
operating expenses may be paid from the Drug Asset Forfeiture Fund.
Please see the attached quote and terms and conditions for further information.
ACTIONS PROPOSED: |
Staff recommends approval of Resolution No. 21-R-0084.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION:
The Public Affairs Committee recommends adoption of Resolution No. 21-R-0084.
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