The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) now has a Multiple Interactive Learning Objective simulator (MILO) in every adult institution.
This version, which cost about $688,000 for all 35 one-time licenses, focuses on techniques for communication and de-escalation of threats or potentially violent interactions. It also highlights “the signs and symptoms of mental illness, developmental disabilities and cognitive deficits,” according to CDCR spokeswoman Alexandra Powell.
“The goal in using a MILO simulator is to help train staff to accomplish voluntary compliance where possible through verbal CDT (communication, de-escalation of threats) rather than use of force,” Powell told Techwire in an email.
The program was purchased directly from MILO and runs on Windows 10. It can include hardware such as plastic weapons and large screens for the visual simulation to be projected onto.
MILO has been used at CDCR's training academy before it was made available to local institutions. It is being used to train custodial and noncustodial officers.
