The Maryland State Police (MSP), officially the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP), is the official state police force of the U.S. state of Maryland. The mission of the Maryland State Police is to serve the people of Maryland and those who visit our State through purposed policing that protects our citizens, prevents criminal acts and traffic crashes, and provides the highest quality of law enforcement services available anywhere. Maryland State Police were looking for a better way to train and prepare their troopers and recruits for real-life de-escalation, use of force, and crisis intervention incidents.

After significant research on various use of force and force options training simulators, the Maryland State Police implemented the Apex Officer training simulator, an interactive virtual reality training system, that provides individualized training and immediate feedback and instruction for troopers in decision-making during countless scenarios ranging from traffic stops to life-threatening standoffs. The Maryland State Police is the first in the state and region to implement the Apex Officer Virtual Police Simulator training system.  The system uses virtual reality technology to immerse troopers in interactive real-life situations that are unpredictable and are directly impacted by a participant’s ability to properly respond to a specific situation.

State Trooper VR Training Simulator

The new technology is being used in addition to the training troopers already receive during entrance-level training when they become troopers and in-service training which occurs throughout their careers.  It is not replacing any type of training currently provided. The first members of the Maryland State Police to use the virtual reality training were those in Trooper Candidate Class 152, who graduated from the Training Academy in July.  According to instructors, the reaction to the use of the technology was overwhelmingly positive.  Instructors plan to have the technology incorporated into in-service training for all troopers later this year.