A split-second decision: How Virginia Beach police officers train using virtual reality simulations [Video]

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — In a split second, Lieutenant James Gordon has to make a decision. The suspect in front of him is either about to lay down his weapon, or shoot.

Gordon knows whatever choice he makes, it will have a life-long impact in the real world. But in the virtual world, he can hit the pause button.

“Nothing about this is carbon copy, we can change the simulation however many times we need to,” said Gordon.

Gordon is just one of the trainers in charge of VirTra, a virtual-reality law enforcement training system, and is a veteran of 20 years with Virginia Beach Police Department. He works directly with new recruits looking to join the force, and puts them through a 300-degree virtual reality training to see how they …