TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — The Troy Police Department held its sixth and final Citizens Police Academy session Thursday, culminating in a high-intensity simulation. 

After six weeks of training, participants navigated an active shooter scenario using Troy University’s Police Department VirTra firearms simulator. According to TUPD Sgt. Andrew Garrett, the system features more than 300 scenarios, each with multiple possible outcomes.  

“VirTra is a virtual training tool for police,” Garrett said. “It runs scenarios that have different outcomes. 

LOOKING BACK: See what participants learned during TPD’s inaugural Citizens Police Academy

“They [an attendee] can deescalate a situation or if they don’t deescalate, it can turn into an officer-involved shooting.” 

Attendee Brent O’Hara shared what it was like strapping on the gun belt and making split-second decisions. 

“I was trying to think in my mind what I was going to say and as the victims of the scene were getting out of the truck,” O’Hara said. “It made me think twice as fast, which made me also say am I doing the right thing this quickly?” 

For attendees like Paige Ray, the experience offered a new perspective on law enforcement. 

“It’s insane how quickly you have to make a decision that could impact your life or somebody else’s life,” Ray said. “That [the simulation] was really jarring but gave me a really good appreciation for what they do.” 

After completing the simulation, participants received certificates marking the end of the academy. According to TPD Chief Danny Barron, the next Citizens Police Academy, if held, would likely take place in 2027.