Supervisors Vote to Build Police Ray Gun Practice Set

County supervisors Tuesday approved construction of a law-enforcement training center in Orange, where would-be sheriff’s deputies and police officers would engage in gunfights using light-emitting weapons.

The facility, to be called Laser Village, will feature a fake city street where some officers will portray fleeing criminals and innocent bystanders.

The idea is to simulate reality as closely as possible to teach trainees how to react in dangerous situations, Sheriff’s Department officials say.

Participants will carry laser guns and wear vests designed to register hits. When someone other than an intended target is struck by a light beam, the trainee will return to the classroom for more instruction.

Sheriff’s Department trainers now use paper silhouettes or bull’s-eyes to teach shooting accuracy and proper behavior under fire.

Police departments that use the facility will be charged fees, which will pay for running Laser Village.

It also will be used to train special-weapon teams, hostage negotiating teams and drug-sniffing dogs.