ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) – Albany State University has received $250,000 from the Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.

This grant will help improve law enforcement de-escalation techniques and promote safer interactions between police officers and the communities they serve.

The university’s police department will also use the money to purchase new equipment that will train officers, faculty, staff and students, in addition to their partner agencies.

“This system will also give faculty, staff and students a chance to see what law enforcement deals with every day and how we need to de-escalate different situations. Especially with mental breakdowns, people who are under pressure, and we have so many different scenarios in this system that will actually teach you how to do that. But given that we can show this to our students here on campus, it will give them a better perspective of what we’re dealing with and also teach and train them how to respond as well not only with law enforcement. but how could they help their fellows.”

ASU has already begun virtual reality training with the Albany Police Department, the Dougherty County Police Department and the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Office.

Got a news tip or see a bug that needs fixing? Let us know. Please include the article title in your message.

To keep up with all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from Apple Store or Google Play.

Copyright 2024 WALB. All rights reserved.