Herkimer College unveils new virtual-reality training center for law enforcement

HERKIMER, N.Y. — Herkimer College cut the ribbon Oct. 3 on its new Law Enforcement Training Center that features a virtual-reality system to train police officers how to respond to active shooter, domestic violence, and other high-stress situations.

The center uses the VirTra system, which provides realistic training in a safe environment, according to the college’s Police Academy Program Director Mike Masi. An important element is the ability to pause the scenario so the instructor can provide instruction.

“We are appreciative of this new training tool that will help our cadets develop the best skills and be prepared for the field,” Masi said in a release. “I am also pleased that this tool will be made available to local law enforcement agencies and other organizations to support their training needs as well.”

The VirTra system can provide training in areas including de-escalation, use of force, interacting with people with mental-health illness or disability, communication, and decision making. The simulations take place in real-world settings, such as movie theaters, courthouses, and school campuses.

Herkimer College’s system includes five large screens, providing a 300-degree immersive training environment. This helps recreate psychological stressors such as elevated heart rate and high levels of adrenaline that would occur during a real situation. Outcomes during training are based on the actions taken by participants in real time with multiple responses from on-screen characters.

The new facility includes a Smartboard interactive flat-panel instructional system, card-access technology, a security camera connected to the campus-safety system, and gun-storage lockers for visiting law-enforcement agencies to house live weapons.

Funding for the training space and VirTra system comes from a state grant awarded through SUNY to campuses for enrollment initiatives.

“Herkimer is grateful to Gov. [Kathy] Hochul, state legislators, and to the SUNY Board of Trustees for investing in and supporting innovation on our campus,” Nicholas Laino, Herkimer College officer-in-charge/senior VP for administration and finance, said. “This investment will benefit our campus, our students, and our community in significant ways.”

Herkimer College offers Phase I pre-employment police basic training in partnership with the Little Falls Police Department. The training is open to civilians and sworn police offers as an alternative to the conventional manner of conducting the basic course for police officers. The program prepares students for a career as a police officer prior to being hired by a law-enforcement agency.

Five classes have graduated from the program, with the majority of graduates employed upon graduation.

Herkimer County Community College serves about 2,500 students with associate-degree and certificate programs in art, business, communication arts, criminal justice and law, education, health care and service, liberal arts and sciences, and STEM.