Law enforcement officers from across the nation and the world gathered Sunday at the former West Virginia Penitentiary for the annual mock prison riot in Moundsville.

Officers got the chance to try out the latest technology and tactical training exercises for their everyday jobs at the mock riot. Over 1,000 law enforcement and corrections officers from 35 states and several foreign countries, such as Singapore, Brazil and Australia, are in Marshall County for workshops and skills competitions.

"It's one thing to train and get the experience, but it's another to actually put that training in use and do hands on training," said Rich Weaver, with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Butler, N.C.

This year's 16th annual mock riot was in jeopardy after federal funding for the program was cut, but the West Virginia Division of Corrections intended to keep the training program. And it means a lot to the officers who come, with some even paying their own way.

"This is what happens. This is what we have to deal with, maybe not on a daily basis, but when it does happen, we have to be prepared," said LaDonna Brady with the Lee County Sheriff's Office in Ft. Myers, Fla. "So, it's a big deal for us."

NEWS9 followed Wendell Stallings, an officer with the Federal Bureau of Prisons, as he went through the grueling course.

"It was pretty tough. This is my second year coming to the Moundsville competition," said Stallings. "Last year, it looked pretty intimidating."

But Stallings along with several other fellow officers completed the course with strong times. One officer described how the workshops and skills they learn help them in their day-to-day operations.

"This is going to be a major stress factor. Obviously our job, it's very dynamic. It's very fluid," said Bryan Perera with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office. "It's constantly changing. We need to be able to at least have that stamina to be able to make your way through that."

In addition to some friendly competition, the officers have a learning curve that grows with each activity. Dozens of vendors also turn out for the mock riot, which gives officers the chance to test out new technology in the field.

The actual mock riot happens Monday at noon. Moundsville was the site of a real riot in 1986, where 15 corrections officers were taken hostage and three inmates died.