ST. CHARLES COUNTY – Police officers can face life-or-death, split-second decisions at a moment’s notice.

Yet, many people don’t know about the use of force guidelines they’re required to follow.

Thursday night, as a part of their 12-week use of force training program, the St. Charles County Police Department armed average citizens with airsoft guns and put them through a simulation to help them understand what goes into these life-or-death decisions.

Around 20 residents took part in the drill at the county’s police training academy. The ones we talked to said they came out with a new appreciation for law enforcement.

The 12-week program is free, and the county took applications for it on its website.