Jeffersonville, IN – The Jeffersonville Police Department is expanding its training toolkit with a new interactive simulation system called RECON 180. Funded by a federal grant, the technology allows officers to rehearse a wide range of scenarios without endangering the public.
How the simulator works
RECON 180 uses three large screens that can display a single scenario or combine for a more immersive experience. Officers can select from more than 1,000 pre‑programmed situations or create custom events that reflect the unique challenges they encounter on the streets of Jeffersonville.
Corporal Thomas Lawson, who oversees the department’s training program, explained that the system walks officers through an entire encounter, then provides a debrief where performance can be reviewed and discussed. “We can just go through the whole scenario and then have that debrief with the officers,” Lawson said.
Real‑world scenarios in a virtual setting
The virtual situations mirror everyday police work, from routine traffic stops to high‑risk incidents such as domestic disturbances and crisis‑intervention calls. The department can adjust the difficulty level, testing how officers respond as a scenario escalates or how they integrate less‑lethal tools into their response.
“We can have a one‑officer response, two‑officer response, three‑officer response. So, kind of gives you those extra tools when we bring in less lethal tools, how to integrate them,” Lawson noted.
Focus on communication and de‑escalation
Beyond tactical skills, the training emphasizes communication, decision‑making and de‑escalation techniques. By practicing these elements in a controlled environment, officers can build confidence and improve outcomes before confronting similar situations in the field.
Lawson said the goal is to give officers more opportunities to practice and refine their approach, ultimately enhancing public safety for Jeffersonville residents.
Looking ahead
Other officers are expected to begin using the simulator this fall, and the department hopes to eventually open the system to neighboring agencies, providing a regional resource for law‑enforcement training.
The addition of RECON 180 reflects Jeffersonville’s commitment to modernizing police preparation while upholding community safety and responsible use of force.
Original reporting: WLKY Louisville — read the source article.
