It looks like a video game, but virtual reality is being used to help police cadets prepare for the worst.

Officers train for those real-life scenarios before they hit the streets, but now the training is being taken to a whole new level.

The Mercyhurst Municipal Police Academy is now using virtual reality technology to replicate the real-life scenarios police face in the field.

The NSENA virtual training immerses them in real-world situations from burglary calls and traffic stops to shootings.

It all trains cadets on use of force, decision-making and deescalation techniques because police officers encounter stressful situations daily, which often call for split-second decision making.

Erie News Now Emily Matson put the technology to the test with Bill Hale, director of the Mercyhurst Police Academy.

The virtual world is filled with objects and people, enhanced by computer-generated technology.

The trainer controls the responses of the virtual people, based on how the trainee approaches the situation.

The full, 360-degree immersion virtual reality training is allowing Mercyhurst to replicate real world situations, unlike ever before in a typical classroom.

"Other than doing it real life, I'm not sure you can get anymore real life," said Hale.

It's all helping future officers learn how to better respond to calls to better protect the community and come home safe.

Hale said Mercyhurst is hoping to use the technology for local police training, as well as for area mental health professionals.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Emily's virtual training