Teams of corrections officers from 31 states will be joined by corrections and law enforcement technologists at the 10th annual OLETC Mock Prison Riot, which kicks off on Sunday, May 7, and runs through Wednesday, May 10.
Hosted by the Office of Law Enforcement Technology Commercialization (OLETC) and the National Institute of Justice, the riot showcases new and emerging corrections, law enforcement, and public safety technologies. It will be conducted in concert with the West Virginia High Technology Consortium (WVHTC) Foundation, the National Corrections and Law Enforcement Technology Training Center (NCLETTC) and the West Virginia Division of Corrections (WVDOC).
The OLETC Mock Prison Riot™ provides corrections and law enforcement officers an opportunity to see and test the latest technology available to them, according to Morrison, interim director of OLETC.
“This is a great opportunity for both tactical teams and technologists,” says Steve Morrison, interim OLETC director. “The participating teams work hard to develop scenarios that fit their own facilities and experiences, and they have suggestions for how the technology can be changed to better fit their needs. The technologists appreciate the opportunity to see their products being used in true-to-life situations, and to receive feedback from the officers who use the technologies.”
More than 1,100 people, from vendors to corrections personnel, attended last year's event. More than 85 technologists are expected to be on hand this year, including teams from Ohio, California, Texas, Wisconsin, and Michigan, as well as representatives from several foreign countries. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in 49 workshops, including courses in leadership and ways to increase officer safety.
“The OLETC Mock Prison Riot is a one-of-a-kind international technology showcase that provides corrections and law enforcement officers a unique opportunity to see and evaluate the latest technology available to them,” says Karen Whipkey, OLETC director of operations.
For more information about the 2006 OLETC Mock Prison Riot, contact OLETC at (888) 306-5382 or visit www.oletc.org/riot.
