At the WA Police Force Academy, there’s a place that might look like a movie set — but it’s far from fiction. Welcome to Scenario Village: a full-scale mock town designed to prepare future police officers with real-world training.
If you've ever wondered how police recruits go from classroom learning to confidently handling the chaos of real-world situations, this is where the magic happens. Scenario Village has everything you'd expect in a small Aussie town — a home, an apartment, a pharmacy, a bank, a pub, alleyways, and even a service station. But unlike a regular neighbourhood, this one is designed to throw curveballs. One day, it might be quiet. The next, it could be the scene of a high-pressure incident. And yes — it’s all staged. But it feels real. That’s the point.
Recruits don't just walk through textbook scenarios. They interact with professional actors who know how to turn up the intensity and keep trainees on their toes. It might be a distressed person experiencing a family violence incident, a bank robbery, or a punter who's not keen on cooperating after a few beers. Recruits never know quite what they’re walking into.
Why is it so real? Because policing in real life doesn’t come with a script.
Scenario Village gives recruits the chance to practice their communication skills, quick thinking, and ability to stay calm under pressure. Their performance is reviewed and assessed by the trainers, highlighting what worked and what could be done differently. It’s not about being perfect in the scenario. It’s about being prepared.
"I've learnt more in the last three days of scenario training than I have since starting at the Academy." - Jarrod French, Recruit
One thing that surprises a lot of people? Scenario Village isn’t just about high-adrenaline moments. Many of the scenarios focus on the quieter — but just as important — side of policing: checking on a vulnerable person, diffusing tension at the pub, or serving a Family Violence Restraining Order. These are the situations where communication and empathy matter just as much as tactics.
If you’re considering stepping into the blue uniform, know this — you’ll get the chance to learn in one of the most advanced training environments in the country. Scenario Village is where you’ll gain real-world experience before hitting the streets. It’s challenging. It’s unpredictable. And one of the most valuable parts of a recruit’s training.
Take the first step here.