‘It’s invaluable’: Channel 8 reporter tested in LPD’s new virtual reality training ground
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Police Department has implemented a new kind of training for officers.
A year and a half ago, LPD partnered with Axon to implement virtual reality TASER and community engagement training.
And just last month, the program expanded to handgun use as well.
On Thursday, Channel 8’s Emma Norwood was tested in the VR training ground and experienced first-hand what the officers go through behind the goggles.
Sargent Justin Roach and officer Matt Pulec showcased the ins and outs of the modules.
The TASER module was packed with still and moving targets that would simulate what would actually happen when a TASER is successfully deployed.
And in the handgun module, officers are prompted to shoot different colored shapes and numbers in all kinds of scenarios.
Roach said the training program has so many benefits for officers in the field.
“For them to be able to get reps both with the TASER and the handgun multiple times a year, six to seven, eight times a year is invaluable for us,” he said. “We’ve really started to see the results pay off in the street. Our targeting percentages have gone up, our successful applications have gone up, but the biggest thing we’ve seen has been the officer confidence.”
Officer Pulec said the new handgun training is essential for officers to make sure they’re getting their practice in.
“You’re taking time to identify your target, but then it’s also all about trigger manipulation, your grip, your stance,” he said. “So they’re working on the basic fundamentals of shooting without having to worry about the recoil, without having to worry about getting out to a range for live fire.”
Sargent Roach said this kind of training is the way of the future.
“If you’re not changing your training, you’re falling behind,” he said. “That’s just the world we live in. I think technology is going to play a huge role, you’re never going to fully replace in-person training. But it’s a great supplement that gives us a ton of upward value.”
