Considerations for implementing simulation-based instructional training for police cadets: Insights from practitioners

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) recently incorporated simulation-based training into their academy curriculum as part of the Keystone Model of Crisis Management (KMCM). The novelty of this training is that it involves combining the expertise of clinical healthcare professionals with the expertise and practical training of senior law enforcement officers, along with standardized patients, who role-play scenarios with cadets. The training provides cadets with realistic experiences to practice communication, de-escalation, and other crisis management strategies in a safe learning environment. Since inception in 2022, more than 400 cadets have been trained using this method. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the KMCM and to share insights, practical recommendations, and guidance for incorporating simulation into mental health crisis training for law enforcement more broadly.