In law enforcement, some calls seem routine at first—especially when dispatch signals clear expectations. But when a call unfolds differently on scene, officers need to recognize what’s changed, decide on the right response, and adjust in real time. A noise complaint might reveal a mental health crisis. A routine traffic stop could involve a distressed driver or an unexpected threat.

For that kind of response to happen under pressure, training needs to reflect the same unpredictability. There’s a method, grounded in instructional theory, that can help.

Interleaving—the practice of mixing different types of calls and decision points within a single training session—helps build the ability to adapt when routine situations take an unexpected turn. By varying the flow of scenarios, officers learn to assess each call on its own terms rather than relying on habit or assumption. This kind of practice strengthens memory, sharpens judgment, and helps training hold up under stress.

 

Interleaving in Scenario-Based Learning

MILO scenarios are inherently well-suited for interleaved training. Because instructors can select, modify, and sequence scenarios with precision, it’s easy to build sessions that shift context quickly—without losing focus on core objectives. A domestic call might follow a traffic stop. A community interaction might escalate into a safety concern. Officers aren’t just practicing procedures; they’re learning how to recognize what kind of situation they’re in and respond accordingly.

This variability challenges the brain to retrieve the right information under changing conditions. It prevents the pattern-matching shortcuts that can develop when similar calls are grouped together. When officers are exposed to different types of decisions in a single session, they build stronger retrieval paths and become more flexible in the field. That variation supports pattern recognition, a key part of situational awareness and assessment. When officers are trained to recognize both similarities and key distinctions across scenarios, they’re better prepared to respond effectively in unpredictable conditions, mirroring the reality of the job.

The platform’s flexibility also allows instructors to add layers of complexity over time. A basic scenario may later include additional stressors, environmental changes, or communication barriers—providing a natural form of interleaving within a familiar structure.

 

Individualized Learning for Advanced Officers

Interleaving also supports officers beyond the basics. As trainees advance, repeating the same type of call offers diminishing returns—and can even reduce creative thinking. Experienced officers benefit more from training that introduces unexpected turns, incomplete or incorrect information, and shifting priorities. The ability to switch gears between call types and apply judgment in real time becomes increasingly important with seniority—and that’s exactly what interleaved training helps build.

MILO’s customizable scenarios allow instructors to match the pace and complexity to the learner’s experience level. For a newer officer, interleaving might focus on differentiating basic call types. The same approach can challenge assumptions and disrupt routines for a veteran LEO.

Reflection Matters Too

Interleaving is most effective when combined with intentional reflection and recall. Officers need time to process what happened in each scenario—what cues they picked up on, what options they considered, and what ultimately guided their response. Reflection focused on decision-making, rather than just outcomes, helps strengthen recall and move key learning into long-term memory.

 

Instructor Checklist for Interleaving

Use the list below to build variation and flexibility into your MILO sessions:

• Mix different types of calls within each session
• Rotate between high-risk and low-risk scenarios
• Revisit older scenarios after a gap in time
• Vary environmental, emotional, or communication factors
• Ask officers to compare and contrast decision points across scenarios
• Use the debrief to separate core principles from situational details

 

Building Readiness Through Variation

No two situations in the field are exactly the same. Training that prepares officers for that variability gives them a stronger foundation for acting with clarity, speed, and good judgment.

Interleaving doesn’t necessarily require more time, but it does require more deliberate structure. MILO gives instructors the tools to design that structure with intention. When scenario selection, sequencing, and reflection are guided by how the brain learns, officers are more likely to recognize what’s in front of them and respond effectively, no matter how the call unfolds.