Wichita Police take us inside their firearms training simulator, showing how officers train for real life battles on the street.

In the basement of the firearms range near Lake Afton, Wichita Police officers get their first experience using a weapon on the streets. In the darkened training lab, a split second decision can mean life or death.

"We use this to see how they react in tight situations under stress," says Lt. Kevin Vaughn. "But here, nobody actually gets hurt."

Vaughn helps run the simulator while officers train. The computer system cost upwards of $50,000 and is a step up from the department's previous simulator. Just last month, every officer trained on the system.

"We have scenarios where somebody will pull a cell phone or a wallet out right away, and you've got to make that decision," says Vaughn. "Do I shoot, or do I not shoot?"

A large movie screen displays a pre-recorded scenario. But unlike watching a movie, an officer's actions influence the outcome.

For example, yelling at a suspect to drop his weapon and put his hands up may actually make the suspect do what's demanded.

But the computer can also ignore commands, pushing a suspect to raise his weapon or charge an officer. It's at that moment the officer must decide what to do.

"An officer only has to feel threatened," Vaughn says. "If he feels threatened, he can shoot."

Officers learn how to protect themselves and others. But they also learn to distinguish between a truly dangerous person and somebody who may not pose as serious a threat.

Officers are taught they are responsible for every bullet that leaves their gun. If a shot is fired and the target is missed, officers know they've put another person at risk.

The video is realistic -- filmed with actors playing the roles of suspects and victims. There are multiple outcomes possible for the more than 40 scenarios currently in the computer system.