P.E.I. Unveils State-of-the-Art Training Facility for Emergency Services

Prince Edward Island has launched an innovative training facility for public safety officials, the Atlantic Tactical Training & Innovation Centre (ATTIC), located at the Atlantic Police Academy. This centre is poised to transform cadets' training with immersive, scenario-driven experiences, moving beyond traditional methods.

Covering 6,200 square feet, the ATTIC features specially designed rooms that replicate real-life environments like a café, bar, and apartment. Cadets will practice responding to a wide array of incidents in these controlled settings. Jeff Minton, the executive director at the Atlantic Police Academy, emphasized the primary aim, stating: “The goal of ATTIC is to increase the reality in reality-based training.” Each scenario room is equipped with advanced camera systems to facilitate instructor oversight and subsequent classroom analysis.

In addition to physical scenarios, the facility includes a virtual reality range and augmented reality platforms that replicate high-pressure situations, including confrontations with armed individuals. Police science cadet Jordan Haines reflected on the advantages of this tech-driven approach: “It delivers a shock when a suspect charges at you, preparing you for real-world encounters.”

Moreover, ATTIC is also beneficial for fire cadets, who enhance their essential skills, such as search operations and forcible entry techniques. Fire cadet Helen Stoney noted the value of training in such a controlled atmosphere: “We learn proper search techniques without having to enter a burning building for the first time.” The facility offers mock doors in diverse configurations for safe practice in residential and industrial scenarios.

Safety is a top priority at ATTIC. The furniture and equipment in the scenario rooms are designed with soft materials to minimize injury risk during exercises. This thoughtful design allows cadets to engage in realistic interventions while adhering to safety standards.

With an investment of around $5 million from both the provincial government and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, ATTIC is set to elevate the preparedness and confidence of future public safety officers, closing the gap between theoretical learning and practical application.

By integrating cutting-edge technology, realistic scenarios, and a focus on safety, the Atlantic Tactical Training & Innovation Centre redefines the landscape of public safety training in P.E.I. This facility ensures that graduates possess relevant, hands-on experience, equipping them for the challenges in law enforcement and emergency services.