Firearms training simulator unveiled at policewomen’s institute

AMMAN — The US embassy in Jordan and the Jordanian Public Security Department (PSD) unveiled a $492,882 firearms training simulator in a ceremony in Amman on Monday.

The system, provided by the US Department of State’s Antiterrorism Assistance (ATA) programme, was unveiled at the Princess Basma Institute for Women's Police Training, according to a statement sent from the embassy.

The simulator will allow PSD officers to train for a variety of scenarios and help them act instinctively in critical situations, such as whether or not to use force, or how to de-escalate tense encounters, the statement said. A camera also records trainees using the system, so they can review sessions and learn from mistakes. 

Paul Houston, the acting deputy chief of mission at the US embassy in Jordan and PSD Deputy Director General Brig. Gen. Abdullah Al Maaytah attended the unveiling ceremony.

“This is a truly revolutionary form of training, and its presence in this training facility and in the PSD headquarters demonstrates the PSD’s commitment to professionalisation, rule of law and a respect for human rights,” Houston said in the statement.

Brig. Gen. Maaytah expressed his appreciation for the ongoing cooperation between Jordan and the US, especially in law enforcement training.  

The government of Jordan has proven itself a steadfast partner of the ATA programme, the statement said, adding that for more than 30 years, the programme has provided law enforcement and counterterrorism training to over 6,750 Jordanian security personnel.