KTAR reporter experiences shooting a suspect in police simulation

Tensions between police and the public are at a boiling point across the country over allegations of racial profiling and excessive force used by officers.

KTAR’s Cooper Rummell walked the streets of downtown Phoenix with protesters in December while reporting on the aftermath of the police shooting death of an unarmed black man.

This week, Rummell set out to walk in an officer’s shoes. He joined a role play, real-time scenario for members of the media at the Mesa Police Department training academy.

During his training, Rummell dealt with a suspect ready to fight and learned when use of force is needed.