Leaders of the desert southwest come together for Public Safety Summit
Today’s Public Safety Summit was an opportunity for leaders from the region to demonstrate the latest technology and simulations being used to better public safety.
Some of that technology included shooting simulations where officers were put in different real life scenarios, including campus shootings.
“We have the option to be able to train the officers and deputies in using verbal commands to de-escalate situations. Where violence is not needed. Where force not needed. Where we can deal with people who have mental health issues. Where we can deal with a variety of other issues. So that we can do more than just firearms training in the simulator,” said Edward Wells, Director of Public Safety Department for the Imperial Valley College.
Jose Yepez, the mayor of Somerton said collaborating and sharing tactics is crucial for improving the quality of service for their residents. “We have similar problems. And if we can train our public safety people to the best capacity that we can. I think that’s a great asset for both of us. Both countries.
Cheryl Viegas Walker, the mayor of El Centro say the city created the to make our area safe. “We absolutely are dedicated to doing all we can to make our communities as safe as possible. I think that’s one of the outcomes. One of the messages that we really want to deliver. Is that we’re all here for the public benefit.
Innovative police k-9 training were on display, as well as real life simulations from the IVC fire academy and discussions on disaster plans and solutions to crimes over the border.
