HAPCOA Invited to Participate in DHS SIMEX Planning Symposium

(Washington)  The Hispanic American Police Command Officers Association (HAPCOA) was invited to attend the Initial Planning Symposium (IPC) for the DHS Law Enforcement Use of Force Simulation Experiment (SIMEX).  This was a virtual meeting held on Tuesday/ Wednesday December 1-2, 2020.

Brian Dorow, Deputy Assistant Secretary and Lori Sims, Management Project Analyst, both of the Office of Partnership & Engagement provided DHS opening remarks.

The IPC offered the 70+ participants an opportunity to review and approve proposed capabilities and configurations, operational settings, scenarios, threats, outcomes, and the overall design of the use of force experiment.

The expected SIMEX Outcome: Evidence-based data that will support the deterrence and overall reduction of excessive use of force by law enforcement.  Evidenced-based data that will support:

Establishing new policies, procedures and tactics for law enforcement use of force, Fostering employment of new technologies for law enforcement use of force,

Improving situational awareness between arresting officers, stations, and suspects, Providing guidelines for law enforcement use of force in training and exercises.

Continued virtual meetings and symposium calls will follow as the SIMEX continues to develop.  The SIMEX final report is due out May 1, 2021.

HAPCOA members invited to attend included: Anthony Chapa, Executive Director of HAPCOA; NYPD Sgt Johnny Nunez (retired) representing the Global Alliance of Hispanic Law Enforcement Professionals (GAHLEP); Dallas PD Sgt George Aranda representing the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization (NLLEO) and Chief Frank Fernandez (retired) formally of the Coral Gables Police Department.

Other professional law enforcement organizations invited to attend the SIMEX included: NOBLE, IACP, FOP, and IACLEA among several others.