West Hartford Police Department
WEST HARTFORD, Conn. — Local police have implemented a new tool to combat the bad guys.
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And although it may seem that way, this new simulator is decidedly not a video game.
The West Hartford Police Department announced last week that it has installed a new law enforcement training simulator called the “VirTra 300.”
It is a high-tech simulator device that can place police officers in a variety of field scenarios in a virtual reality environment.
Police said the simulator offers a “realistic, immersive and thoughtful training solution based on scientific research.”
WHPD says this is just one example of how local police departments are constantly working to improve the training and readiness of their officers.
“The Town of West Hartford and the West Hartford Police Department are constantly improving the training, response capabilities and overall level of service provided by our officers,” the West Hartford Police Department wrote.
Virtual reality-like training simulators help officers practice and respond to scenarios such as de-escalation situations, domestic violence, crisis intervention, traffic stops and active threats.
“Real-life events are rarely simple and don't occur regularly, which is why VirTra designed each training scenario to be complex,” WHPD wrote.
“Through extensive branching options, each scenario unfolds based on the officers' decisions within the simulation.”
Police say the simulator will help officers improve and recognize communication skills, verbal and non-verbal cues, officer presence and the use of non-lethal force.
“The West Hartford Police Department is committed to providing the highest level of training and tools to enable our officers to serve our community effectively and compassionately,” the West Hartford Police Department wrote.
