EDGE - Image
credit: Homeland Security
A new school-based environment has been made available for the EDGE platform,
allowing multiplayer training in any type of critical incident on campus.
The Enhanced Dynamic Geo-Social
Environment (EDGE) is a free, professional virtual training
platform that first responders, and now education institutions, can use to plan
for a coordinated response to critical incidents.
Developed with the U.S. Army Simulation and Training Technology Center,
EDGE is one tool in a comprehensive preparedness toolbox, complementing
and honing training protocols already in place in communities nationwide.
In June 2017, the Department of Homeland
Security Science and Technology Directorate
(S&T) and the U.S. Army
Research Laboratory released the first EDGE virtual training
environment for first responders. Using a high-rise hotel as the backdrop,
first responders of all disciplines can navigate through a number of complex
incidents, including active shooters, arson, hostage negotiation, bomb threats and
more. This training environment is available for free to response agencies
across the country.
EDGE (Hotel
Scenario) - Image credit: Homeland Security
Developing a second training environment featuring a school was a
natural progression. The team worked with several first responder and education
stakeholders, including the Educator’s School Safety Network, to gather feedback
and requirements.
EDGE provides a format to train school personnel or
law enforcement agencies separately or collaboratively so all are prepared in
the event of a school incident. The goal is to improve communication,
coordination and response skills prior to an incident. They can practice
various strategies together, and the technology analyzes how different security
measures might change the outcome and response. This EDGE environment is
also free to all U.S. public safety and education institutions.
EDGE
(School Scenario) - Image credit: Homeland Security
The EDGE
virtual training environment can be accessed via laptop or desktop computer. No
extensive hardware is required, making it easy for school systems and law
enforcement agencies to use.
Though EDGE is built on the Unreal gaming engine, it is not a
single-player video game with programmed scenarios. In fact, there is little
artificial intelligence; the platform is tactic-agnostic, allowing school staff
to create training plans and responses based on their own operating procedures.
Players control avatars representing their real-life role— teachers,
school administrators and school resource officers. Additional avatars include students
and suspects, as well as law enforcement, for a coordinated response. More
avatars will be added in the future to build in unified command, firefighters
and emergency medical services.
Communications functions allow role-players to actively converse or
exchange commands while running live EDGE training exercises. There is
also an after-action capability, so trainers can replay the exercises for
further discussion and instruction.
How To Obtain Edge
Access And Training Resources
S&T partnered with game developer Cole Engineering Services, Inc.
to provide a point of distribution for EDGE. All EDGE account
requests are fully vetted and, once approved, Cole Engineering provides online
access. They also provide a help desk function for schools or first responder
agencies just getting started with EDGE.