Sheriff’s office grant for youth-focused VR training accepted by commissioners

The Liberty County Board of Commissioners accepted a $49,952 grant awarded to the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office by the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council for Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Sheriff’s office staff said the award will buy a “red concourse” virtual reality training system intended to help the office train officers and provide community education targeting youth violence, gang influence, and firearm-related threats, especially in middle schools. The presenter said the system contains more than 900 scenario branches and will be integrated into existing outreach programs such as CHAMPS, the youth academy, and citizen academy.

County staff confirmed there is no local match for the grant. Commissioners moved and seconded acceptance; the motion passed on a recorded show of hands. Finance staff (Samantha/Heather referenced) will assist with equipment purchasing and tracking once the acceptance documents are signed. The sheriff’s office said the program is intended to build officer readiness and community transparency and to promote responsible firearm storage through simulation-based training.