With a heightened scrutiny of police department training after the friendly fire death of an officer last week, the NYPD is revamping its protocol with both veterans and rookies. NY1's Molly Kroon filed the following report.

Some tense moments could be seen Wednesday at the New York City Police Department's training complex in Rodman's Neck, where officers are trying to teach recruits how to keep themselves, and their colleagues, safe in the heat of the moment.

"What we're looking for is maximizing cover, to take control of situation and let the plainclothes or off-duty member of the service know they're there," said NYPD Officer Steve Minguez.

While the force tries to create as realistic a scenario as possible, the bullets they're shooting at the facility aren't real, unlike the ones on the streets.

It's a fact made painfully clear last Thursday, when a fellow force member fatally shot Officer Omar Edwards in East Harlem.

Officials say Edwards was in plainclothes chasing after a thief with his gun drawn, when officer Andrew Dunton identified himself and told edwards not to move. Officials say Dunton shot him dead when Edwards turned around.

Training officers say it's difficult to simulate the confusion and stress of the moment.

"There are a lot of physiological and psychological factors that kick in -- tunnel vision, loss of hearing, accelerated heart rate, adrenaline dump," said NYPD Captain Anthony Maida.

Community activists and some lawmakers have charged that race played a major role in the shooting. Edwards was black, Dunton was white.

The department says instructors emphasize the diversity of the force in their drills.

"We have cops who you would never know are cops. They can't look like cops or they're going to get hurt," said NYPD Firearms Instructor Officer Darren D'Auteuil.

The department says police officers are being shown a training video during roll call. Maida says it's likely the department will incorporate a drill similar to the Edwards shooting for future classes -- a tragedy officers say makes the drills more emotional for all involved.

"I would have to say the instructors and also the recruits are doing it with more passion," said Maida.