Secret Service to Adopt 3D Virtual Training Program

The U.S. Secret Service is preparing to switch from tabletop model training to a dynamic virtual system. The new program, which includes 3D and gaming technologies, will teach trainees about a wide range of modern disaster scenarios.
For the past 40 years, the U.S. Secret Service has trained for disaster scenarios using a tabletop model known as "Tiny Town." Due to the range of possible incidents—chemical warfare, biological threats and more—this old-fashioned training method, though effective, has remained more theoretical than practical. A new program will bring Tiny Town into the virtual world, though, allowing trainees to gain practical knowledge about their duties in a 3D environment.

Designed with help from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology Directorate (S&T), the updated Tiny Town makes use of gaming technologies and 3D modeling. Its functions are based on the original tabletop Tiny Town, which has been used to train Secret Service agents and officers how to secure specific sites. The tabletop program includes locations like an airport and a hotel interior, and it uses scaled-model cars and buildings. Students learn how to take vital security measures during specific events, such as the arrival of a foreign dignitary.

The new, virtual system takes this static setup and enhances it to cover the dynamic threats that exist today. Nicknamed "Virtual Tiny Town," the tool is officially called the "Site Security Planning Tool" (SSPT). SSPT involves many high-tech features, such as 3D models and a touch-screen interface. Its scenarios have also been updated to include more modern threat events, such as a simulated chemical plume dispersion. SSPT allows for both first- and third-person perspectives. 

The system includes three kiosks, each equipped with a 55-inch Perceptive Pixel, a camera, a projector and a computer running Virtual Battle Space (VBS2) as its base software. Many military, police and first-responder programs already use VBS2, which was designed specifically to train their personnel.

With the touch-screen kiosk, Secret Service agents and officers can train for a wide range of situations, including chemical, biological and radiological threats. Up to four students can work together at one station, each of which is equipped with 3D models and gaming technologies. (Source: United States Secret Service)

Up to four students can work simultaneously on one kiosk, which should improve teaching about teamwork-related tasks. In a statement, officials at the Secret Service indicated the program will help students "to devise, configure and test a security plan that is simple, engaging and flexible."

According to DHS, the virtual system is equipped with scenarios including "chemical, biological or radiological attacks, armed assaults, suicide bombers and other threats." Designers hope that future versions of the program will include scenarios dealing with "resulting health effects and crowd behaviors of a chemical, radiological or biological attack, to better prepare personnel for a more comprehensive array of scenarios and the necessary life-saving actions required to protect dignitaries and the public alike."

The Secret Service expects to complete the development of the Site Security Planning Tool by spring 2011. Although the technology is a welcome update, some have already expressed concern that the tool is long overdue.