Immersive simulators have been a cornerstone of police training for over 30 years, sharpening decision-making and tactical skills under realistic, high-pressure conditions. These tools have also been invaluable to researchers in criminal justice, human performance, and sociology, helping to assess and improve training effectiveness. A recent study published in Police Practice & Research took a closer look at how police students navigate decision-making during high-stress scenarios—uncovering some surprising insights that could reshape how we train the next generation of officers.

Study Overview

The study, conducted by psychologists and police instructors, involved 86 third-year students from the Norwegian Police University College. Using MILO simulations, participants faced realistic critical incidents requiring use-of-force decisions. Afterward, debriefing interviews captured their thoughts and decision-making processes in detail. The research highlighted several key observations:

They Act on What They See: Students primarily relied on what was directly in front of them, focusing on visual, dynamic, and central cues rather than auditory, static, or peripheral information when making decisions.

They Balanced Internal and External Focus: Participants reported concentrating on both the unfolding situation and their personal responses, showing an awareness of the external scenario and their own actions or inactions.

Experience Made a Difference: Decision-making strategies varied with expertise, highlighting how more experienced individuals approach critical incidents differently, likely due to better-developed instincts and situational awareness.

They Followed the Rules: Most students adhered to safety protocols in their decisions, reflecting a strong alignment with their training and an understanding of compliance standards.

It’s no surprise that third-year students in a highly disciplined field would generally follow protocols, nor is it unexpected that more experienced individuals would demonstrate stronger decision-making skills. However, the study presents valuable insights for academy instructors charged with developing decision-making skills in new recruits.

Implications for Training

One critical area for improvement is helping students develop the ability to incorporate audible and peripheral cues into their decision-making process, and into their recall. This highlights the need to train police students in broader situational awareness—not just for personal safety but to ensure they consider a fuller range of inputs before making decisions and in accuracy of reporting.

Instructors using the MILO theater with surround sound already understand the value of training in environments that simulate 180 or 300 degrees of action. This includes integrating sounds beyond the immediate scenario, such as foreign languages, barking dogs, or car alarms, to challenge students’ situational awareness and decision-making under complex conditions. Having students write reports after using the simulator is a great way to solidify the need to take in all inputs, not just the ones in front of them.

Another critical area for improvement is the incorporation of psychological factors into simulated training. Integrating self-awareness alongside tactical and technical elements provides a more well-rounded preparation for students. Encouraging open and honest communication during training helps trainees recognize and process internal feelings that could lead to poor decisions, hesitation, or even decision paralysis in the field.

Additionally, teaching stress-regulation techniques equips officers to better manage the physiological and emotional challenges they may face during real-world critical incidents, and be more resilient to the continuous stressors of law enforcement work. Learning to remain calm and focused under pressure is just as essential as mastering tactical skills, ensuring officers can perform effectively in high-stakes situations, and stay effective when they go home.

For a comprehensive understanding, refer to the full study: An Explorative Study of Police Student’s decision-making in a Critical Incident Scenario Simulation.