SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) recently acquired a new VirTra Simulator system. It consists of five screens, cameras, speakers, and an immersive environment where officers can practice a variety of interactions. 

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Departments can choose a specific training topic, such as de-escalation, traffic stops, or active shooter scenarios for their officers to take part in. The operator watches the officer's interactions and chooses what the subject of the simulation does based on their actions. If they are calm and direct, the subject will comply. If they are nervous or aggressive, the subject may escalate the situation.

The simulator uses weapons and tools just like what officers typically use, but with special changes to work with the technology. If an officer reaches for their flashlight and turns it on, the screen will illuminate where it is pointed. If an officer fires their gun, not only will they see the bullet hit, but the gun will kick back like a normal firearm. 

"That's the whole goal here is to offer an opportunity to just see the scenario in person without a high risk, that we don't get the opportunity to have on the street as a do over," said Paul Petty, Manager of in-service training for ILETSB. "I think given that opportunity, you're seeing that that opportunity to retain more, to learn more and then hopefully take that to the streets."

This technology is much different than what departments used to use in these situations. The ILETSB team said before these types of simulators were invented, departments would have to use actual schools or office buildings with actors to get real life experience. 

"Now we can do obviously more training faster, with the ability to debrief and offer a great deal more opportunities to that scenario," said Petty. "I think what we're going to see is we're going to see closing the gap on on collectively doing in-person training with scenario based hands on." 

Petty said the Vir-Tra simulator has 14,000 scenarios programmed based on what officers do while operating it. 

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