Deputy Joseph Bruno has to make split second decisions in front of the three-screen Use of Force Simulator at Columbia-Greene Community College.

One key point about this system is how he responds dictates how the video will continue. Based on what he says or does, the suspect acts accordingly.

There are 900 different scenarios from active shooters to burglaries or mental health crises.

“There’s been a huge demand for more training on deescalation, and this helps us with just that,” Hudson Police Chief Mishanda Franklin said.

The focus is not use of force.

“That’s not what the job is,” said William DeLuca, Professor of Criminal Justice. “The job is talking to people, deescalating people, sometimes having to use a pepper spray or Taser, or no force at all.”

The simulator is also used by community college students.

“The Police Basic Training Program, that is relatively new. Every graduate is employed, so we like that kind of statistic,” Dr. Carlee Drummer, CGCC President, said.

The Columbia County Sheriff paired with NewsChannel 13’s Kumi Tucker for a school shooter scenario. Officers are watched by their peers, and they go through a critique afterward.

These scenarios can be tailored to the specific needs of different departments. For example, some may need bridge jumpers, while others, tall buildings. This training is all to help prepare.

“Absolutely, we’ve seen a huge difference just in our deescalation techniques that the officers implement on the streets,” said Columbia County Sheriff Donald Krapf. “They’re able to communicate with individuals better.”

“I think it’s very important that the public sees that we’re trying to do all we can to make sure that we keep them safe,” said Greene County Sheriff Peter Kusminsky.