LSU and NCBRT Receive $75,000 Donation from the International Council of Shopping Centers

 

November 17, 2014

 

LSU and the National Center for Biomedical Research and Training, or NCBRT, which is part of the Stephenson National Center for Security Research and Training, or SNCSRT, received a $75,000 donation from the International Council of Shopping Centers, or ICSC.

 

With the funds, NCBRT will continue a longstanding working relationship with the ICSC by enhancing existing training programs related to active shooter scenarios, specifically within a shopping mall setting.

 

NCBRT's latest training methods utilize virtual reality simulation technology to create a virtual reality that is fully responsive to participants' movements. Participants are sized and outfitted with the technology, which allows them to be totally engaged while maintaining the ability to move around freely in a tactical environment.

Trainees can encounter various scenarios in multiple environments, such as an apartment complex, a park and a school within a short training session, all without changing venues. They are able to practice proper tactics clearing and entering rooms, practicing formations, and ultimately eliminating the threat as a team, with fellow members immersed and engaged in the simulation just as in a real scenario.

NCBRT will add a shopping mall environment to its virtual reality training to better prepare law enforcement and security personnel to respond to an active shooter in a retail setting.

"This training will not only be beneficial to the first responder community, but will also help security personnel coordinate with local and state law enforcement on active shooter events involving retail properties," said Jim Fernandez, executive director, SNCSRT.

Pictured at the check presentation are, from left to right, Jim Fernandez, Malachy Kavanagh, Emmet Stephenson, Toni Stephenson, F. King Alexander, and Jason Krause. Not pictured is Jimmy Maurin with Sterling Properties.