Davie Police Department utilizing virtual reality to help train officers

More law enforcement agencies are tapping into tech and embracing virtual reality as part of training nationwide, and now officers here in South Florida will have to make it through those programs.

The stressful simulations are meant to sharpen your senses.

It’s a brand new program that all Davie Police Department officers now have to go through, on top of their other training.

Local 10 News’ Andrew Perez signed up for the training to get a firsthand look at what it takes.

First up was Axon’s virtual reality simulator.

The instructor sets the boundaries and physically creates the space trainees will travel, mapping it as big or as small as he wants.

There was also taser training, and officers are put through a variety of other scenarios.

They sharpen their skills in community engagement, even responding to a mental health crisis or an issue to deescalate.

The MILO simulation system uses weighted weapons, which are more like controllers.

It’s all dynamic training designed to help officers make split second decisions.

Many big agencies are also moving toward VR as a cost effective way to sharpen those senses.

For more information on working for the Davie Police Department, click here.