By Dr. Troy M. Bankert
As law enforcement faces increasingly complex demands, traditional training methods like lectures and memorization are proving inadequate for preparing officers for high-stakes situations. A more effective approach — Scenario-Based Training (SBT) — is gaining traction, helping officers build essential skills through realistic, immersive exercises that reflect the unpredictable nature of real-world policing. SBT also supports generational learning strategies that boost engagement and retention.
Why scenario-based training?
SBT places officers in dynamic scenarios that simulate the stress and uncertainty of daily duties. Unlike classroom-based learning, SBT provides hands-on experience in managing real-world decisions — without the liability. Officers receive immediate feedback from instructors, promoting more decisive and balanced actions in the field.
Research supports the benefits. Officers who participate in SBT report improved judgment during critical incidents, enhanced communication skills and greater confidence under pressure. The immersive nature of SBT helps develop “muscle memory,” allowing officers to navigate tense encounters with skill, maturity and a focus on de-escalation — all of which contribute to increased public trust. [1]
The benefits of real-world practice
Scenario-based training equips officers with practical skills they can apply on duty, improving performance under pressure. Key benefits include:
- Better decision-making: SBT enhances officers’ ability to make sound discretionary decisions under pressure, mirroring the stress of real-life situations.
- Enhanced communication skills: The training emphasizes effective communication and de-escalation techniques, helping officers resolve conflicts without force and improving community relations.
- Increased stress resilience: Practicing in controlled but demanding environments builds officers’ capacity to remain calm and clear-headed in emergencies.
- Stronger engagement and recruitment: This hands-on, interactive approach resonates with modern recruits and promotes greater retention of information than passive classroom instruction. [1]
Real-world success: Milwaukee Police Department
In 2019, the Milwaukee Police Department implemented SBT into its training program, using realistic role-playing scenarios to simulate domestic calls, traffic stops and mental health crises. Officers practiced de-escalation strategies in these simulations and, within the first year, the department saw a 20% reduction in use of force incidents. [2]
Officers also reported greater confidence in their discretionary decision-making, while community feedback pointed to improved public trust due to better communication from officers in the field.
Barriers to implementation: Cost, consistency and measurement
Despite its promise, SBT adoption poses real challenges. Developing realistic scenarios requires significant time and preparation — resources already stretched in many departments. Costs, particularly for advanced tools like virtual reality, can be prohibitive for smaller agencies. Additionally, there’s a lack of standardized metrics to evaluate effectiveness, making it harder to justify investment.
Lesson plans also need to be consistent with departmental policies and best practices. If officers are expected to respond to real-life calls similarly to how they train, SBT scenarios must reflect policy-compliant behavior. Inconsistent instruction or deviation from lesson plans can skew outcomes and hinder measurement.
Still, the potential payoff — better decision-making, improved performance and reduced liability — makes SBT a worthwhile investment.
Looking ahead: Research and resource needs
To broaden access to SBT, future efforts should focus on creating affordable, scalable training models and developing tools to measure training impact. Streamlining scenario creation and establishing evaluation frameworks will help make SBT a more sustainable option for departments of all sizes.
As law enforcement seeks to improve training outcomes, SBT stands out as a powerful tool to equip officers for today’s evolving demands.
Recommendations for successful implementation
Standardize training with policy alignment
Develop lesson plans that reflect departmental policies and legal standards. Standardization doesn’t mean rigidity — plans should evolve with new evidence, allowing departments to adapt while maintaining legitimacy.
Measure outcomes for accountability
Set evaluation metrics before training begins. Conduct surveys with both officers and the public before and after training to assess changes in performance and perception. Additionally, monitor civil lawsuits or internal affairs cases to identify trends and adjust training or policies accordingly.
Select instructors carefully
Instructors must be patient, consistent and committed to following lesson plans. Deviating from standardized scenarios can distort results and undermine evaluation efforts. While instructors can offer feedback for improvements, changes should be reviewed and approved by leadership based on valid input.
Start small: Phased implementation works
Launching an SBT program can feel overwhelming. Begin by targeting the department’s most significant performance issue. Early successes can demonstrate the value of SBT and justify further investment. As lesson development, time management and outcome measurement improve, expand the training to cover other areas of discretionary decision-making that require fewer resources.
References
1. Bankert T. (2024). Scenario–based training in law enforcement. ProQuest.
2. Milwaukee Police Department. (2020). Training and performance annual report. Milwaukee Police Department.
About the author
Dr. Troy M. Bankert is a distinguished criminal justice professional, educator and U.S. Air Force veteran with over three decades of dedicated service in public safety and higher education. A retired police chief from the York City Police Department in York, Pennsylvania, Dr. Bankert’s career in law enforcement was marked by progressive leadership, community engagement and a commitment to officer development.
Following his retirement from active law enforcement, Dr. Bankert transitioned into academia, where he has served as a college professor for the past 15 years, educating and mentoring the next generation of criminal justice professionals. He currently serves as the Training Manager for the National HIDTA Assistance Center, where he supports high-impact training initiatives aimed at disrupting drug trafficking and promoting public safety across the nation.
Dr. Bankert is also an Auxiliary Trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol, continuing his service in support of traffic safety and law enforcement operations. He is a published author of several professional articles and the textbook Criminal Justice Basics, a foundational resource that integrates practical insights with academic rigor.
A devoted husband and father, Dr. Bankert has been married for 29 years and is the proud parent of two children. His career reflects a lifelong dedication to justice, education and service.