The Michigan City Police Department has always strived to provide its officers with the best training imaginable. Now, thanks to VirTra, a law enforcement training simulation, the Michigan City Police Department can push its officers like never before.
“It’s easy to train the hardware: the shooting, the fighting, the driving. What’s hard to train is what lies between the ears, the software. This program allows us to actually put our officers in certain scenarios that they’re going to face in the street and see how they’re going to de-escalate or navigate a tough situation. It helps us teach them to handle things without using force, and when they do need to use force, the appropriate amount of force they need,” said Lieutenant and Commander of Midnight’s Mike King.
The Michigan City Police Department decided to put in a VirTra training system after its SWAT team went to a training venue that had a similar program. They loved it and knew it would do wonders for their training. In 2016, the department put in the training room, making it the first police department in Indiana to have a 300-degree VirTra system.
VirTra training is designed to be completely immersive. All the equipment the officers use in the simulator is the actual equipment they use while on duty – every tool is the same size, weight, and recoil. The only difference is that the equipment is modified for simulator use. Officers are also expected to interact with people in the simulation as if they are truly there.
Michigan City’s VirTra program offers over 100 different scenarios for officers to run through – everything from typical traffic stops to domestic calls to even military operations. As if that weren’t enough, within each scenario, there are countless different outcomes and situations based on how the officer reacts.
There is even a feature within the training program called threat fire, a device that gives the officer a little shock when they’re not observing a threat or engaging in the scenario the way they should be. This teaches officers to remain constantly alert and think critically about the situations they’re in.
“It’s just a friendly reminder that there can be danger all around us. We call it 540 coverage: 360 degrees all around us and 180 degrees up and over. We want our officers to constantly be scanning their surroundings and having situational awareness,” said King.
After an officer completes a simulation, they are able to run back through the scenario with Training Coordinator Jason Costigan and walk through step-by-step what they did well and what they could improve on. This function has had transformative results on the officers’ decision-making.
“When we train here, our officers aren’t just going straight to their guns and pulling the trigger. They’re talking to the screen, trying to de-escalate situations, and going to domestic calls. It’s great that we can show them how to use their words instead of tools. We can show them that there are so many alternatives,” said Costigan.
The VirTra system has been particularly helpful for new officers. Officer German Morales, an officer still in training, has used the system a few times now. Despite only using VirTra a couple of times, he’s gained a plethora of confidence that he couldn’t have gained from reading a book or watching a video.
“I definitely enjoy using this. It’s really given me an idea of what I’m going to face in the real world. I think it’s a great system to get new officers started and help them build confidence,” said Morales.
The VirTra system isn’t just helpful for new recruits; it’s been a great tool for veteran officers to keep challenging their skills and push past their comfort zones.
“It gives you a different outlook on how to handle a situation. For me personally, I’ve been out in the street and run into a scenario I’ve done in here; I’m able to remember how I handled that, and it sparks something in my head to help me out in the field,” said Officer Louis Gallegos.
Michigan City is currently still the only police department in Northwest Indiana to have a VirTra system. Many officers from other departments have come to Michigan City to keep up with their training. The Michigan City Police Department is proud to provide such an incredible tool for the Region’s officers.
“I think it shows how much our administration cares about training. Everyone always says that the police need more training, and training comes with a cost. This room was about $500,000. For them to spend the money on a system like this shows that they truly care about our training and our educational process not just locally, but for other agencies across the state as well,” said King.
The Michigan City Police Department hopes that more police departments will continue to implement simulation training into their programs.
“Anytime you can implement scenario-based training, there can only be benefits. I learn by seeing and doing things, not just by being told what to do. I could sit in a classroom and get beat over the head with a book but I won’t retain anything. If I can see and put my hands on something not only is it more fun, but I’m going to learn so much more,” said King.
Ultimately, the Michigan City Police Department has gone above and beyond to ensure its officers are not only properly trained law enforcers but passionate protectors with critical thinking skills. The VirTra system has truly been a blessing to our community.
“We can’t use this room enough,” said King.
To learn more about the Michigan City Police Department, visit www.joinmcpd.com.
