COD adds virtual de-escalation simulator

GLEN ELLYN - College of DuPage's Homeland Security Training Institute has added a new state-of-the-art de-escalation simulator to its training tools. COD is the only higher education institution in the nation to procure such equipment, the college said.

Similar to the Vir-Tra training simulator COD has used since 2015, the new de-escalation simulator transports COD students, law enforcement and security personnel into live-action filmed scenarios. Consisting of four rooms connected by hallways, the simulator allows participants to engage in de-escalation techniques by reacting to more than 1,000 different scenarios, such as active-shooter situations to mental health crises.

"We are able to take de-escalation training to a whole new level," said Tom Brady, associate dean of Public Service and Homeland Security Training Institute. "Scenarios are thrown at the participants quickly, which is exactly how situations unfold on the job."