The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office has a new tool to help deputies fight crime and be ready to tackle real life scenarios.
Monday, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, invited the 7 Action News to see the new ‘use of force’ simulator, the department calls it Training Lab X.
The equipment looks like something from a science fiction movie, a nearly 3-D interaction with potential suspects. It’s changing the way the entire department trains.
"About 20 years ago, we used to run a piece of white paper down and play a scenario on a piece of white paper at a range,” said Wickersham.
The new simulator has the capability to run through 800 total scenarios where officers might have to use their weapons.
"Shoot, don't shoot situations, when to deploy a taser, when to use pepper spray,” said Wickersham.
The guns used in the program are not actually loaded with bullets, but carbon dioxide, and they’re designed to feel just like the real thing.
"It recoils just as a normal firearm would if you actually fired an actual bullet from that round,” said Deputy Derek Reed.
The purpose of having this training available is improve reactions in real life.
"It's going to give them the confidence to handle these situations if that day ever arises,” said Wickersham.
