Our Mission

The Training Gap: Addressing the Need for Realistic, Physiological Response Training

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After decades of training law enforcement and security professionals, Sergeant Chuck Swisher recognized a consistent and critical training gap—especially in the area of Use of Force training—that placed officers and agents at a distinct disadvantage in the field. He understood that traditional training methods, which typically involve listening to lectures or having training officers explain how to handle specific situations, were insufficient. While verbal instruction is important, it does not adequately engage the trainee’s physiological responses that occur during high-stress, use-of-force encounters.

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In real-life situations, officers experience heightened levels of adrenaline, fear, anxiety, anger, frustration, and confusion—emotions that can impair judgment and decision-making. However, until recently, most officers only encountered these physiological reactions in the field, when it was often too late to practice managing them effectively.

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Officers frequently interact with challenging members of society, from drug dealers and intoxicated individuals to angry motorists, wanted persons, trespassers, and emotionally disturbed persons. These interactions occur under a wide range of circumstances, many of which can escalate quickly. Unfortunately, many officers’ first true test in handling these high-stress situations—where the body's natural responses are triggered—comes when they are actually in the midst of these encounters. And while verbal training on handling such situations is useful, it does not simulate the emotional and physiological reactions officers experience when facing a real threat.

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This gap in training is not only a missed opportunity but also dangerous. Officers may be left unprepared to manage the intense physical and emotional responses that come with high-stress situations, which can lead to mistakes or poor decision-making under pressure.

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The Solution: Rigorous Simulator-Based Training

To effectively learn how to manage these natural physiological responses, officers need to experience them in a controlled training environment. However, in the interest of officer safety and citizen protection, it is not feasible to escalate real-life situations simply for the purpose of training. This is where simulator-based training fills the void.

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Advancements in technology now make it possible to replicate the stress, emotions, and decision-making pressures of real-world encounters—without the risks of injury or escalation. Simulator-based training immerses officers in realistic, high-pressure scenarios, allowing them to practice responding to threats while experiencing the physiological responses (such as stress and adrenaline) that are typical during actual use-of-force encounters. This method of training is crucial for developing effective decision-making and emotional regulation skills under pressure.

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The Benefits of Simulator-Based Training

How many times have you wished you could “redo” a situation to make a better decision? With simulator-based training, that is now possible. This technology enables officers to practice their responses and decision-making in realistic scenarios—and to repeat the process as often as needed. This repetitive practice helps officers build confidence and improve their performance, so they are better prepared for real-world situations.

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In today’s ever-evolving law enforcement landscape, simulator-based training is becoming an essential tool for agencies committed to ensuring their staff is fully prepared for the challenges they will face on the job.