While searching for ideas for the border book assignment, I came across the most interesting border patrol training idea. Virtual Border Training. If there was not a video, I may not have taken this seriously. The Canadian Border Services Agency has incorporated a mixed reality simulation of border crossing encounter in their training classes. It is training, like training videos at most retail stores, but in the virtual world to learn how to guard real world national borders. How do you teach interview skills using a Second Life simulation? How does this virtual reality properly train an individual for real world situations (with real guns, real people, real drugs, etc)? Check out the weblink to see what our Border Service Agency is putting their funds towards....enjoy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCUWcpVPtMM
This certainly proved to be an interesting training technique. It allows for simulations which are similar to real situations. Employees have the opportunity to gain experience prior to actual encounters with potentially dangerous border crossers. I imagine this has also been implemented as a costs effective training technique which does not require one to one attention from other paid staff. However as Jenna said, the usefulness of this practice needs to be put into the context of real life situations. Border crossings include an array of unique individuals and I believe the dynamics of the conversations guards have with crossers is an important aspect. Guards need to be able to think on their feet, and respond quickly to situations and danger arises. This could be a useful tool so long as it is in combination with other methods and guard training is not neglected.
ReplyDeleteThis is another article which questions the training of Windsor Boarder patrol officials... Perhaps our training methods need to be further investigated.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.windsorstar.com/business/Windsor+judge+raps+border+guard+investigative+training/2679952/story.html