West Fargo Police to get new VR technology for training

WEST FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – The West Fargo Police Department will be getting a new safety training tool in the coming future. This will be a virtual reality training system using public safety sales tax funds at $95,000.

The Street Smarts VR system will be used to train officers on hundreds of real-life scenarios according to Chief Pete Nielson. The training will include pre-made, scripted active shooter scenarios, practice room clearing and crime scene processing scenarios.

“When I started it was up against a flat screen on a wall and now we’re dropping people into a scene and with different scenarios, 3D,” said Assistant Police Chief Jason Anderson. “It’s pretty awesome to see. Our department believes in advancing our training to better serve our community. To better help our officers do their job the best that they can.”

All of this was approved by the West Fargo City Commissioners on Tuesday.