The Irmo Police Department was given approval by the town council to submit an application for the Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) program. If the department were to get the grant, they would receive $68,323.

The Town of Irmo would have to provide 10% of the program cost, which is about $6,833.

The JAG program helps agencies carry out specific programs such as equipment, supplies, training, technical assistance and more. The programs that are eligible for the grant are: law enforcement programs, prosecution and court, prevention and education, corrections and community corrections, drug treatment and enforcement, planning, evaluation and technology improvement programs, crime victim and witness initiatives and more.

The Irmo Police Department’s application states they would purchase training equipment, such as the MILO Range Pro Training System for officers. This training system would allow instructors to give classes, testing and presentations. It would also enhance officer knowledge, enhance skills and create confidence in a challenging training environment, officials say.

“This looks like a great investment for us. There’s a lot of equipment and training in here,” Mayor pro-tem Barbara Waldman said. “I think it will be very beneficial for our police department.”

If awarded, this system will be available to police officers, staff and civilians to participate in realistic scenario-based exercises. A detailed debrief and review would also be performed.

According to public documents, the current style of training at the police department makes it difficult to create realistic scenarios and reactions that police officers may face on the street. Current training involves taser training, defensive tactics, firearms and driving.

This presents challenges including “the need to balance complex legal knowledge, high-stress situations, ethical decision-making, diverse community interactions and ensuring proper de-escalation techniques are mastered, all while navigating the complexities of a constantly evolving legal landscape and public perception of policing,” the public document read.

The grant funding for the MILO Pro Training System would be permanent after federal assistance is no longer available. The Town of Irmo would account for the maintenance of the new system in their budget.

The Irmo Police Department has 27 regular full-time officers and 33 personnel in the agency. This includes administrative staff, investigators, patrol officers, code enforcement, victim advocates and reserve officers.

“We can never have enough training but this is scenario-based. It’ll be based on officers’ de-escalation skills, how to use force and when to use force,” Chief Bobby Dale said. “We’ll definitely encourage council to come participate.”