Wallkill Police Department Trains with Operator XR
We’re proud to welcome the Town of Wallkill Police Department as a new customer, bringing the power of immersive VR training to their officers. This milestone reflects a growing movement across the United States: law enforcement agencies investing in modern training tools to better prepare officers for the unexpected and strengthen community safety.
As featured in Mid Hudson News
"Town of Wallkill PD trains for unexpected with new simulator"
TOWN OF WALLKILL – Firearms training was much different when Town of Wallkill Police Chief Robert Hertman broke into the NYPD years ago.
“We started with paper targets and guns that shot blanks,” said Hertman. “Pepper spray and tasers didn’t even exist.”
Chief Hertman shared, “Even though it’s not real, we’re doing the best we can to recreate reality.” And that reality is saving lives. Wallkill PD purchased this cutting-edge system thanks to a State Technology Grant and a strong commitment to innovation.
Preparing for High-Stakes Scenarios
Wallkill PD recently introduced Operator XR as part of its training program, giving officers access to realistic, scenario-based simulations that build readiness for critical situations. These immersive VR scenarios range from de-escalation and crisis intervention to active shooter response — all designed to enhance decision-making under pressure.
By using VR, the department can place officers in high-stress environments without real-world risk. Officers experience the tension of real incidents, practice their responses, and refine their skills in a safe, repeatable setting. This investment reflects Wallkill PD’s forward-thinking commitment to evolving how training is delivered.
A Step Beyond Traditional Training
Gone are the days of shooting at a flat screen or cleaning up paint from marking rounds. Instead, officers are engaging with immersive simulations that replicate real-world scenarios, from routine traffic stops to active shooter incidents. These realistic environments give officers a deeper level of preparedness, helping them respond effectively when lives are on the line.
Chief Robert Hertman explained it well: “Even though it’s not real, we’re doing the best we can to recreate reality.”
That recreated reality is more than just training — it’s building confidence, sharpening decision-making, and saving lives.
The Benefits of Operator XR
With Operator XR, departments like Wallkill PD can:
Recreate structures using building blueprints for hyper-realistic scenario planning
Train officers in high-stress environments without the risks or limitations of live training
Collaborate with schools and community partners for proactive safety planning
Scale training to multiple officers at once, allowing teams to practice coordinated response strategies
By combining realism, flexibility, and scalability, Operator XR bridges the gap between traditional drills and the complexities of real-world incidents.
Funded by Innovation
Wallkill PD’s investment in Operator XR was made possible through a State Technology Grant, underscoring the importance of innovation in public safety funding. Grants like this are helping agencies nationwide adopt advanced solutions that modernize training and better equip officers to meet today’s challenges.
As VR technology becomes more accessible, more departments are recognizing its value as a cost-effective, safe, and adaptable training tool. Wallkill PD’s adoption of Operator XR sets an example for other agencies seeking to strengthen preparedness while maximizing resources.
A Partnership for the Future
It’s always an honor to support those who serve, and Operator XR is proud to help bring cutting-edge VR training to departments committed to evolving and enhancing their preparedness. The team at Wallkill PD has shown a strong dedication to innovation and readiness, and we are excited to be part of their training journey.
This partnership reflects Operator XR’s broader mission to support law enforcement, schools, and military agencies with immersive training solutions that enhance performance where it matters most — in the field.
As featured in Mid Hudson News: Town of Wallkill PD trains for unexpected with new simulator
As Chief Hertman shared, “Even though it’s not real, we’re doing the best we can to recreate reality.” And that reality is saving lives. Wallkill PD purchased this cutting-edge system thanks to a State Technology Grant and a strong commitment to innovation.
Learn more about our training technology
Explore accessing grants for Operator XR
Read the full Mid Hudson News article