For the last five years, the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office has been using MILO to help people respond to potentially deadly situations. MILO is a computer-assisted program used by officers like Deputy Randy Powers to train peers and others to deal with a wide variety of scenarios.
“This week alone, I've had three groups already. I've had some from schools, we've had mostly mostly law enforcement officers for this past two days. Tonight I do have a church security team members, I think I've got a lead and come in tonight.”
Powers said some MILO scenarios are dangerous, while others aren’t, and trainers control the pace.
“We want people who interact with the public, if a situation arises, we want them to be prepared. And let them know that a there is a way if you can try to deescalate a situation, first thing you should do is call 911.”
Powers said MILO training would not have saved the lives of the three Floyd County law enforcement officers and a K-9 dog who were ambushed last June – but it could save the lives of others.
** WEKU is working hard to be a leading source for public service, fact-based journalism. Monthly sustaining donors are the top source of funding for this growing nonprofit news organization. Please join others in your community who support WEKU by making your donation.