Ohio officers train with virtual reality at OPOTA convention

Officers training with virtual reality at the Law Enforcement Training Symposium

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) — Law enforcement officers from across Ohio are getting hands-on training in new technology designed to prepare them for high-pressure situations before they happen in real life.

The Law Enforcement Training Symposium at the Dayton Convention Center featured a range of classes Monday, including virtual reality simulations that place officers in realistic, immersive scenarios.

Barry Wisecup said the technology allows officers to take in the kinds of sights and sounds they would encounter on a real call.

“You’re able to see everything from behind you, in front of you, up, down,” Wisecup said. “You’re able to hear noises to the right and left, all around you. Things that you would be seeing if you were an actual officer.”

After each simulation is done, instructors talk over with those in attendance about how the officers handled the scene, what went well, and what could have been done to improve the scenario.

The simulations cover situations including family disturbances, traffic stops and officer wellness. The goal, Wisecup said, is to give officers practical experience in a controlled environment, where mistakes do not carry real-world consequences.

“It’s just a matter of the officers being able to get into a headset and actually see the training that is happening,” Wisecup said. “They’re actually immersed in the video. They actually feel on the scene for where they’re at.”

Dayton 24/7 Now also took part in a domestic violence simulation involving a former military member. In the simulation, fireworks on the 4th of July triggered PTSD, causing suicidal thoughts. Wisecup said the exercise is designed to help officers practice de-escalation and build rapport with the person involved.

“The hope out of this one is the use of de-escalation techniques, how to build somewhat of a rapport with the officer and the suspect,” Wisecup said.

In addition, Wisecup also opened a session with pediatric nurses to help build collaboration and understanding how both professions process calls that include but are not limited to sexual assault.

Other classes included responding to a missing person case, crisis communication, crime scene management, and counter-drone training, with keynote speakers giving insight in the afternoon.

The symposium also included discussion about Flock cameras from Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson. Flock cameras have sparked debate in communities across Ohio, especially with midterms right around the corner.

Supporters say the cameras can help law enforcement respond to crimes and locate missing children, while the conversations at the symposium focused on making sure the technology is used appropriately.

“It’s extremely important for crime intervention, for missing children, for the civilian population,” said James Cyphers, executive director of OPAA. “By having this conversation here, it helps us eliminate any misuse of the Flock cameras.”

The event started on Sunday and concludes on Tuesday.

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