Blaine Police Adopt De-Escalation-Based Firearms Training

Blaine Police Adopt De-Escalation-Based Firearms Training

The Blaine Police Department has become the first law enforcement agency in Minnesota to adopt the NURO® System from Building Shooters Technology, a cutting-edge training tool designed to enhance de-escalation and decision-making skills among officers.

This innovative approach integrates visual stimuli into live-fire training scenarios, enabling officers to make real-time decisions about the appropriate level of force based on dynamic, high-pressure situations.

What Is the NURO® System?

The NURO® (Neuro-Responsive) Shooting System is a networkable, programmable set of sensory stimulation and performance measurement tools optimized for live-fire small arms training. Unlike traditional methods that rely on static targets and predefined drills, NURO® uses visual stimuli to control range training, requiring officers to continuously process information and make decisions under stress.

The system is designed to:

• Increase Engagement Speed: Train officers to put rounds on target faster while improving situational awareness and decision-making.
• Reduce Fratricide: Integrate decision-making, positive target identification, and agile responses during all elements of small arms training.
• Minimize Infrastructure Costs: Replace costly, bulky, and obsolete turning target systems.
• Build Combat-Relevant Visual Skills: Require vision techniques that enable heightened awareness.
• Improve Decision Making: Integrate vision- and context-based decisions into high-repetition skills training.
• Train and Qualify in De-Escalation: Include decisions to stop or change levels of force in all skills training.
• Hardwire Situational Awareness: Require officers to respond to changes in the surrounding environment during all skill performance.

Blaine Police Department's Implementation

Officer T.J. Brownell, a Firearms & Use of Force Instructor, emphasized that the goal of integrating the NURO® System is not only to improve marksmanship but to refine the cognitive skills that dictate the use of force. "We don’t just want our officers to be skilled at using their service weapons. Even more importantly, we want them to be skilled thinkers who can assess what’s happening around them and make the right call—especially under stress," he said.

By adopting this advanced training equipment, the Blaine Police Department aims to safeguard lives, foster accountability, and build a foundation of trust with the community. The integration of the NURO® System reflects a shift from traditional, reactive measures to a more proactive and holistic approach to policing, equipping officers with the necessary tools to face contemporary challenges.

Broader Impact

The adoption of the NURO® System by the Blaine Police Department sets a precedent for other law enforcement agencies in Minnesota and beyond, demonstrating a commitment to innovative training methods that prioritize officer safety, community trust, and effective decision-making under pressure.

MinneapoliMedia