West Hartford PD Has New, High-Tech Training Tool

West Hartford Police Department

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Local police have a new tool to prepare to battle the bad guys.

And, though it may appear as such, this new simulator is definitely no video game.

The West Hartford Police Department last week announced it has acquired a so-called "VirTra 300," law enforcement training simulator.

It is a high-tech simulator device that puts an officer in a multitude of field scenarios in a virtual reality setting.

Police said the simulator provides "realistic, immersive, and judgmental training solutions that are based on scientific research."

According to the WHPD, this is just one example of how the local police department is always looking to improve its training and how its officers prepare.

"The Town of West Hartford and West Hartford Police Department is constantly improving upon the training, response capabilities and overall level of service provided by its police officers," wrote the WHPD.

The virtual reality-like training simulator helps officers practice and deal with de-escalating situations; domestic violence; crisis intervention; traffic stops; and active threats, among other scenarios.

"Real-life events are rarely simple and may not occur on a regular basis, which is why VirTra designed each training scenario to be complex," wrote the WHPD.

"Through extensive branching options, each scenario can unfold based on the decisions made by the officer while inside the simulation."

Police said the simulators help officers improve and recognize: communication skills; verbal and non-verbal cues; officer presence; and less-lethal uses of force.

"The West Hartford Police Department is committed to providing top-level training and tools to our officers so they can serve our community effectively and compassionately," wrote the WHPD.