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Virtual Reality in Law Enforcement Training
Written by Ellis Pines of Radancy , a TMP Worldwide Company
Within the past few years , virtual reality ( VR ) and augmented reality ( AR ) have steadily moved from early adopters towards the mainstream . Though not applicable for all situations , e . g ., traditional simulation and live fire still have a prominent place for group training , the new technologies have arrived at an opportune moment . There is a strong call for revisiting , increasing and improving law enforcement training . With its immersive capacity , VR and AR appear to be game changers in preparing trainees for unexpected threats .
The hour has come for VR and AR In mid-January , SharePoint Developer Aufait , cited a list of upcoming law enforcement tech trends . The author cited virtual and augmented reality training among the top technologies , along with the Internet of Things , Body-worn cameras , drones , Artificial Intelligence and 5G connectivity : The author noted that “ the realism and flexibility of VR training make it the best training law enforcement trainees can get .” By simulating real-life situations using goggles and headsets , virtual reality police training improves efficiency as well as cognitive response . The posting added a further application : “ Virtual reality methods can also be used to train officers for providing appropriate medical assistance , better connecting police and community … especially in the light of the recent hostility towards officers .”
Matching heightened realism with the right scenarios Law enforcement , with its split-second judgments , has always been a physical , mental and emotional challenge , but 2020 with COVID-19 and community unrest made it more complicated . Professionals now find themselves under a glaring spotlight for their actions . The Supreme Court decision that removed second-guessing and Monday-morning quarterbacking is being questioned . The law enforcement officer more than ever requires confidence to approach issues like use of force and handling of people in crisis . Not surprisingly , almost everyone agrees that improved training must be a part of the solution . But what constitutes an improvement ?
In 2018 , two academicians at the University of Copenhagen , Lasse Jensen and Flemming Konradsen , identified situations where VR ’ s head-mounted displays ( wireless headsets ) are the most useful for skills acquisition . After their review of 21 experimental studies , they determined that VR seemed to improve learning in three areas :
1 . Cognitive skills related to remembering and understanding spatial and visual information and knowledge .
2 . Psychomotor skills related to head-movement , such as visual scanning or observational skills .
3 . Affective skills related to controlling your emotional response to stressful or difficult situations .
Each of these areas are pertinent to law enforcement skills . VR and AR , with their three- -dimensional sensory inputs , provide unprecedented realism for memorable learning . Even though the actual training space may be a small room , officers can respond to calls in a vivid environment , duplicating actual conditions they are likely to encounter . Of course , the technological effects can only be as instructive as the courseware . Scenarios drawn from authentic events , adjudicated with a clear legal result , can have long-term implications for an officer ’ s career and the community .
Choosing VR content that fits your training program For 3D VR to reach its training potential , it must have content that matches the capabilities of proven successful simulation systems . It should have a comprehensive , video content library for all applications : From use-of-force de-escalation to active shooter to person-in-crisis response . These scenarios should have branched outcomes , where officer response modifies the flow of events . Most important , all content should be created in conjunction with users , e . g ., law enforcement , first responders , and correctional and military police partners . Because of constant changes in what officers confront , your vendor needs to release new content on a regular basis . Ideally , the system itself should also let you author specific customized scenarios to place the trainee in specific environments , such as the following :
The new InVeris VR-DT : VR based on unparalleled law enforcement simulation
Building immersive systems involves more than adapting an innovative technology . With 35 years of experience with FATS ® simulation training hardware and software , InVeris Training Solutions understands the rigors of writing and producing courseware that hundreds of agencies use each day . This know-how has gone into the development of the VR-DT – Virtual Reality Decisions and Tactics - (“ Verdict ”) virtual reality system . If you have a demand for a geographic setting or training circumstance , it is likely that the InVeris VR-DT has either an available scenario or one that can be readily modified .
The trainee can consequently benefit from the most advanced technology , accompanied by the latest law enforcement scenarios . To explore virtual reality for your agency and how it might meet your training needs , please visit
https :// inveristraining . com / vr-landing / or contact ITS-LESales @ inveristraining . com .
• An office or business park
• A school with single or multiple entry points as well as a single hall with classroom
• A multitude of streets options , including urban , rural , highway , etc .
• Inside and outside of houses
• A park and picnic areas
• Jail or prison block
24 SUMMER . 2021
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