Deputies Prepare for High-Risk Situations with VR

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office has integrated virtual reality technology into its training, enabling deputies to simulate high-risk situations such as active shooter and hostage scenarios without real-world danger.  

Public information officer Jesse Santero stated, “It’s an immersive experience that deputies are able to go on.” The $91,000 system is a cost-effective alternative to live ammunition exercises, using compressed air weapons.  

Deputies store their real firearms, wear a VR headset, and use arm sensors and simulated weapons to engage in scenarios. Sergeant Megan Payne emphasized the system's mobility, noting, “This morning we trained six deputies in a short amount of time.”  

While the VR system doesn’t replace real-world training, it complements it, helping deputies prepare for split-second decisions in life-threatening situations.