Citizens’ Academy uses actors, mock guns to create scenarios

Standing near her apartment on a typical sunny day, a woman who is visibly distressed explains in jumbled sentences how a man continues to harass her and how it is starting to interfere with her job.

In a nearby parking lot, the man suddenly steps out of his car and begins storming toward her. He and the woman begin to argue heatedly, and then it becomes physical.

The scene is being simulated on five large screens — spanning a room nearly 360 degrees — via a VirTra software system at the Henderson Police Department's East Station, 223 Lead St.

While armed with mock guns that digitally interact with the screens, those who participate in the department's 13-week Police Citizens' Academy can be immersed in such scenarios, which are created using real-life actors. The goal is to help civilians understand what law enforcement personnel routinely experience firsthand, including potential use-of-force incidents.

"The virtual experience gives them the idea that a lot can happen in a fraction of a second," said Henderson Police Officer David Woolman, coordinator of the academy. "I've had people that came in here that were a little cynical toward the police, and four weeks in, their eyes are opening up a little bit."

Eighteen students are taking part in the current academy, which began Jan. 12 and ends with a graduation ceremony April 5. In between, participants take part in classroom sessions and hands-on activities to gain insight into the life and training of a Henderson police officer.

Daniel Hyde, who attended the Feb. 2 session at the East Police Station, said he was interested in keeping up with the latest changes in terms of how police operate. He then shares what he learns in his capacity as vice president of the board for Sun City MacDonald Ranch.

"The information is very useful to them to see what we can do to enhance safety in our community," said Hyde, who also incorporates what he learns into his role as chairman of the city's Senior Citizens Advisory Commission. "This is the third time I've done the class."

During the Feb. 2 class, the topic was professional standards, and the speakers included Kristin Maier, human resources business partner for the police department, who does the hiring and recruiting; and Lt. David Burns and Sgt. John Gayer of the department's internal affairs bureau.

Student Kimberly Rotzinger, who has an associate degree in criminal justice, was taking it all in to help her decide which law enforcement-related career to pursue.

"I have my paralegal certificate, too," she said. "I'm still trying to figure out if the clerical, behind-the-scenes work is more for me."

In other hands-on parts of the academy, students also go to a firing range, shooting paper targets with guns loaded with simulated rounds.

"We put them through a handgun course and a rifle course, and we put them through some scenarios, and we'll talk about why they shoot or didn't shoot," Woolman said.

"Even though they know the rules, sometimes they're kind of shocked at how quickly things could turn sour," Sgt. Randy Rysewyk added.

Sharon Kosach, who graduated from the previous academy on Nov. 17, said she participated because she is working toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and also wants to obtain a license for being a private investigator.

"I could not believe how really sophisticated our police department is here," Kosach said. "They basically took us through all levels of it."

The academy typically takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays at a Henderson police station. Applicants must live or work in Henderson, be at least age 18 and have no felony, gross misdemeanor or misdemeanor convictions. The next academy is planned in June, with dates yet to be decided.

Visit cityofhenderson.com/police or call the community relations bureau at 702-267-5100.

— To reach Henderson View reporter Cassandra Keenan, email ckeenan@viewnews.com or call 702-383-0278. Find her on Twitter: @CassandraKNews.