Virtual Reality Training for Police: Beyond Target Practice – Learning De-escalation Techniques and Empathy

Virtual reality training is taking law enforcement to a whole new level in Greenwood, Indiana. The Greenwood Police Department is utilizing VR headsets not just for target practice, but also to teach officers de-escalation techniques and empathy.

With the purchase of four VR headsets costing $19,000 upfront and $23,000 annually for software, Greenwood PD is leading the way in Johnson County and is one of nine agencies statewide incorporating this cutting-edge technology into their training programs.

The VR training provides officers with realistic scenarios that mimic real-life situations, allowing them to make split-second decisions on when to use force and how to effectively de-escalate potentially dangerous encounters. By immersing officers in interactive environments with moving targets, the training aims to improve response time, accuracy, and overall decision-making skills.

Assistant Chief Matthew Fillenwarth emphasizes the importance of officers learning to bring calm to high-stress situations, stating, “I don’t have to do that. I can calm down. If I calm down I can bring calm to the situation.”

In addition to tactical training, the VR scenarios also focus on empathy, including interactions with individuals experiencing mental illness. By allowing officers to experience encounters from both the officer’s perspective and the individual in crisis, the training aims to foster a better understanding of the diverse situations officers may encounter on the job.

Overall, the use of VR technology in police training is seen as a game-changer that will better prepare officers for the realities of their job. As Fillenwarth notes, “It’s going to prepare them so much better for the realities of this job because they are going to be in situations like that.” With a focus on understanding the job from a citizen’s point of view, the hope is that this innovative approach to training will lead to positive impacts in real-life policing situations.