MOULTRIE, Ga. (WALB) — The Moultrie Police Department is using virtual reality (VR) training to simulate real-life scenarios, giving officers a chance to practice decision-making in a controlled environment.

The VR system allows officers to train on different scenarios including traffic stops, use of force situations, burglaries and subjects with weapons.

“It also has kind of virtual reality live training on it as well,” said Lazaro Monzon, lieutenant of administration. “So they’re able to go on different scenarios. So like traffic stops or use of force scenarios of burglaries or subjects with weapons. So they’re able to get training on that as well without actually having or being exposed to it.”

The system puts officers in multiple scenarios like armed robbery, active shooters and noncompliant civilians using both animated environments and real-life actors.

Nicholas Cordista, the newest officer to join Moultrie PD, said the VR training is helping him get more familiar with his equipment while making him feel more comfortable in different situations.

“It was a good experience. It really gave you the opportunity to see different situations and scenarios and not have the stress of a real world application,” Cordista said. “So you’re able to learn without the real consequences. If you do make a mistake, some things you need actual people for training to get that experience. But for some of the situation-based stuff, the VR is really nice to get you going.”

Monzon said the new training system shows the department’s commitment to improvement.

“It makes me feel great. I mean, that our department is going towards the future and loves investing in our officers and the department,” Monzon said.

The department plans to upload blueprints of buildings around Moultrie so officers can become more familiar with the area they serve.

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