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Students in Dutchess BOCES' Security & Law Enforcement program learned what to do in a time of crisis during a virtual simulation exercise held at the Career And Technical Institute.

The students used the VirTra system where they faced realistic situations on video such as a school shooting and a domestic violence call. The main goal was deescalating the situation without having to draw weapons.  Police have faced scrutiny in the media for using excessive force in recent years and this simulation gives students a chance to communicate with actors on-screen by using verbal commands and other tools instead of deadly physical force. “We want students to be able to use other tools rather than pulling and shooting a gun,” Security & Law Enforcement instructor Francis Kolarik said. Students recently completed a unit on use of force and Kolarik hopes the students put what they learned into practice during the simulation. “This is a chance for them to see for themselves how effective that instruction was and for me to assess, ‘Did they learn?’” the instructor said. During March 24 demonstration, Kolarik encouraged students to develop a mindset that they are in charge during a crisis. If a person is suicidal, officers should get them professional help rather than act as a therapist. “Don’t be a bystander,” Kolarik said. “You're a police officer, not a counselor.” 

For first-year student Phillip Lamberton, the simulation was so lifelike he almost forgot he was in the classroom. While Lamberton missed more shots than he expected to, he highly recommends the program for training. “You feel like you’re really in there,” Lamberton said. “You kind of overestimate how well you are until you finally do it.” First-year student Aaron Johnson enjoyed the demonstration and said it taught him how to deal with situations properly. “It’s definitely good for situational awareness,” Johnson said. “We need this.”