NORTH MANKATO — In a move aimed at modernizing and streamlining police training, the North Mankato Police Department has introduced a new virtual reality training system.
Developed by Axon Technologies, the VR program is designed to improve officer readiness, enhance decision-making skills and provide a deeper understanding of community dynamics through scenario-based simulations.
“This training experience immerses officers in realistic scenarios and training content to better equip them for the realities and challenges of police work,” Police Chief Ross Gullickson stated in a news release. “Moreover, we can conduct training more often, more realistically, with little to no expense, and engage our community partners. It is indeed a valued investment for our staff.”
The system includes modules that focus on de-escalation, mental health response, domestic incidents and traffic stops, among others, said Lt. Shawn Morgan.
“Axon updates these scenarios quite often,” Morgan said. “They’re constantly changing. You’re not being put into the same scenario. There’s probably over 100 scenarios that we can put officers into where they have different situations.”
Each simulation places officers in high-pressure situations where they must assess threats, respond appropriately and make rapid decisions — all within a controlled virtual environment, Morgan said. The VR system also allows for more frequent and cost-effective training sessions. Unlike traditional in-person training that requires time, staffing and logistical planning, VR simulations can be conducted with minimal setup and repeated as needed.
“It shortens up our training time. It eliminates the need to call in officers for overtime, but it gives us the ability to train officers and keep them up to speed with their skills and keep their skills sharp,” Morgan said.
He said the department plans to gradually roll out the training. Only a handful of officers have donned the headset at this point, though eventually public demonstrations may be offered and even a chance for residents to experience a training scenario.