Analysis of use of force simulation training in the Malta Police Force

Abstract

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of simulation training in decision-making use of force scenarios. According to studies, it is very important in the criminology and policing sectors, particularly among educators, firearm instructors, and law enforcement personnel. Media technology advancements have created new options for simulation-based learning, which have been quickly adopted by professions training for high-risk, high-stakes contexts. The ever-present reality of risk to personal and public safety, along with cost reasons, makes exercising decision-making by police officers in use of force and public order management in the real world impossible and untenable. While educators are becoming more aware of the potential for technology-assisted simulations to create genuine contextual learning environments and their impact on learning transfer, there is still much that research can contribute to this body of knowledge. According to the research, instructors in this field should focus on the ability of simulations to provide a channel for validating a learner's cognitive skills. There has been little attention paid to the impact of simulation-based learning on the formation of a learner's professional identity and their standing within a community of practise. The notion of simulated use of force training preference is significant in organisations that is required as part of their position, such as the police force. Empirical research demonstrates that undertaking simulation training that requires more than one task independently, such as practising, increases knowledge retention. The study's findings are based on two major samples. The first sample consisted of 530 Malta Police Force members who took part in two simulation situations, one for deadly force and one for less-than-lethal force. Safety standards, drawing weapon on time, verbal communication, identification, and precision relative to the threat encountered were all considered and measured. The second sample included 538 participants who provided feedback on demographics and perspectives on simulation system immersion, confidence in handling a firearm, previous firearms practise, value and benefit of simulations for field policing, involvement in situations requiring lethal use of force, and self-assessment of their performance. This was put up largely to observe and study the notion that simulation training is useful in targeting strengths and weaknesses on a performance level the success of the application linked to the use of force in the decision-making process. Learning outcomes will result in increased service value and community safety, resulting in the efficiency of training programmes based on strong research.