The rise in campus shootings at higher education institutions underscores the critical need for effective security measures, and university leaders can no longer ignore it. From 2000 through 2022, there were 18 active shooter incidents at postsecondary institutions in the United States, resulting in 157 casualties—75 killed and 82 wounded. In 2023, there were 60 school shooting incidents, with 39 fatalities and 61 injuries. The scariest statistic though, might be the fact that there is no clear trend—making it difficult to know where university leaders should place efforts to get ahead of the problem.

What is clear is that the need for highly trained campus security teams has never been greater.

More universities are shifting toward hiring POST-certified officers (Peace Officer Standards and Training) to replace or supplement traditional campus security. Unlike unarmed security personnel, POST-certified officers undergo extensive training in firearms, crisis response, and de-escalation techniques, making them better equipped to handle real threats. But simply hiring armed, trained officers isn’t enough—without ongoing, scenario-based training that involves the entire department, even the most qualified officers can be caught unprepared.

 

The Role of Scenario-Based Training

Scenario-based training immerses campus security personnel, faculty, and students in realistic, high-pressure simulations, allowing them to practice and refine their responses in a safe, controlled environment. This evidence-based approach has been recognized for its effectiveness in preparing individuals for real-world emergencies and is now mandated at the highest levels of public safety training.

Over the past three decades, high-stakes industries such as law enforcement, security, and emergency response have increasingly relied on MILO’s technology-driven training to ensure personnel receive immersive, risk-free, and results-oriented preparation. With cutting-edge simulation technology, scenario-based training enables campus security teams to build critical decision-making skills, improve response times, and enhance overall campus safety while reinforcing best practices in crisis management.

 

Key Benefits of Scenario-Based Training

Engaging in lifelike, simulation-based scenarios allows campus security personnel, faculty, and students to experience the pressures and challenges of real-world incidents, leading to more effective preparation without disrupting daily campus operations. Unlike role-player exercises, which can be costly, inconsistent, and difficult to coordinate, technology-driven training provides repeatable, data-driven experiences that enhance critical thinking and decision-making skills under stress. By immersing participants in realistic crisis situations, they develop the confidence and adaptability needed to respond effectively in high-pressure environments, all within a safe and low-stakes setting.

With robust features like the trainee action capture (TAC) cameras, every decision and movement can be recorded, reviewed, and debriefed, allowing for precise evaluation and targeted feedback. This level of objective assessment ensures that mistakes become learning opportunities, reinforcing best practices and refining response strategies. Additionally, the ability to repeat scenarios provides trainees with the chance to practice, adjust, and improve their responses in a controlled, measurable way, ultimately leading to higher retention and enhanced campus safety preparedness.

MILO simulations also promote stronger communication and coordination between campus security, faculty, and local law enforcement, ensuring a unified, efficient response during emergencies. Training entire departments—including student workers—through technology-led drills allows institutions to identify and address gaps in existing security protocols before an actual crisis occurs. By continuously refining response strategies through regular, immersive training sessions, colleges and universities can enhance campus safety while maintaining seamless daily operations.

 

Implementing Effective Scenario-Based Training

To maximize the impact of scenario-based training, higher education institutions must take a strategic approach to design, participation, and continuous improvement to ensure effective, adaptable, and sustainable training programs.

Design Locally-Relevant Training: With MILO’s proprietary Course Designer software or with assistance from our professional studio team, public safety departments can create customized, fully-interactive video scenarios filmed on location and tailored to the specific challenges faced by their campus. Whether addressing active shooter threats, de-escalation techniques, or severe weather responses, institutions can adapt and expand their training programs to reflect real-world situations unique to their environment with no additional investment—all in minutes, not months.

Engage All Stakeholders: Effective campus security extends beyond law enforcement—faculty, staff, and student workers also play critical roles in emergency response. MILO’s immersive training solutions allow institutions to train entire departments without disrupting daily operations, fostering better communication, coordination, and preparedness across all campus personnel.

Stay Up to Date: MILO customers receive free content updates for the life of their system, ensuring that their training remains current, effective, and aligned with evolving security needs. Backed by 24/7 technical support, an on-site Train-the-Trainer course, and a full system warranty, MILO makes it easy to implement, maintain, and continuously enhance campus safety training programs.

 

Commit to a Safer Learning Environment

With campus shootings and other threats posing increasing risks to higher education environments, implementing scenario-based training is a critical investment in campus security. By preparing all stakeholders through realistic, high-fidelity simulations, institutions strengthen readiness, resilience, and response capabilities. Choosing MILO’s premier training solutions demonstrates a commitment to safety—reassuring students, faculty, donors, and the broader community that their institution prioritizes excellence in security and the creation of a safe, thriving learning environment.