By Jennifer McDaniels Harlan Enterprise Deputies with the Harlan County Sheriffs Office have been undergoing high-tech training that places them above the curve in modern police instruction. Deputies have been honing their communication skills and applying their tactical use of force with a state-of-the-art virtual simulation program called the Wrap Reality System. Harlan County Sheriff Chris Brewer stated that the virtual reality system has been provided by KACo the Kentucky Association of Counties free of cost to equip police officers with split-second de-escalation skills in a safe environment that can be beneficial and even life-saving when out in the field. This is a great resource and tool for our deputies, Sheriff Brewer emphasized. Its a very expensive, high-dollar system, and for small police agencies like Harlan County, theres no way we could afford one of these systems that provides valuable training. Our deputies have the opportunity to perform real-life scenarios in a very realistic virtual setting where there is no injury to officers. KACo has four of the Wrap systems that they distribute throughout the state for yearly training sessions. The Harlan County Sheriffs Office will have one of the Wrap systems set up in the fiscal court conference room for the next three weeks not only for deputies to utilize, but any of the countys police agencies. The goal of Wrap Reality training is to improve officers communication skills when responding to calls from a mental health crisis, domestic disputes, an active shooter situation, and even routine traffic stops. This training enhances quick decision-making capabilities for officers, aligning with modern expectations for law enforcement. According to Police 1 website, which is a digital resource for law enforcement, the Wrap Reality System adds both realism and humanity to modern policing where officers get ready for the unpredictable. Sheriff Brewer shared that the training his deputies are undergoing focuses explicitly on de-escalation skills to keep potentially volatile situations from becoming deadly. He remarked that in the last three years, deputies with his department have experienced nine armed standoffs, three of which involved actual firearms. During the nine standoffs, only two of them occurred where somebody surrendered to us, Brewer said. Seven other situations required us to apprehend the armed subjects. By the grace of God, nobody was hurt. He emphasized the importance of the simulator, noting that it is a crucial asset for training in tense situations and contributes to their ability to manage arrests safely. Harlan County Sheriffs Office Captain Charles Bailey is the local trainer for the Wrap Reality system. He explained that officers participating in the training gain critical de-escalating skills and often express a desire to undergo the training repeatedly due to its immersive setting. Captain Bailey manages the virtual reality sessions, selecting scenarios and controlling suspect reactions, allowing officers to practice their skills in a controlled manner. They use simulated firearms such as a pistol or rifle and a simulated taser while immersed in virtual situations. The training challenges the officers to ask questions, give verbal commands, and perform field sobriety tests, Bailey added. There is even a firing range for target practice. It functions like a virtual reality game, and Ive seen how quickly officers adapt; they truly feel as if they are in a real environment. In many cases, they become so engaged that they reach for non-existent objects and lean against non-existent walls. While the virtual training is often seen as enjoyable, Captain Bailey noted the seriousness with which officers approach gaining essential communication and de-escalating skills to ensure their safety and efficiency on the job. Consistent training increases officer confidence and competence, which reduces mistakes and the need for excessive force, Bailey remarked. It also ensures they are up to date on the law and best practices for a wide range of situations. Sheriff Brewer reiterated his commitment to securing grants and utilizing all available training opportunities to equip his deputies with modern and effective training, Ive got some of the best deputies in the state, and their hard work shines through even with limited resources, Brewer said. The Wrap Reality system is a great asset for us provided by KACo. I am fully dedicated to seeking out grants and opportunities that can equip us with the latest in modern-day police training. This virtual reality training is entirely free through KACo, and we are grateful for this level of high-tech training for our officers here in Harlan County.