Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Launches Virtual Reality Training for Law Enforcement
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost Launches Virtual Reality Training for Law Enforcement Statewide
In a groundbreaking move to enhance training for peace officers, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has announced the launch of immersive virtual reality (VR) training for law enforcement statewide. The new VR goggles provide officers with realistic scenarios to practice split-second decision-making without real-world consequences.
Yost emphasized the importance of this new training tool, stating, “These VR goggles are the next best thing to real-world experience because officers are immersed in split-second decision-making scenarios. If someone makes a mistake while using virtual reality, it doesn’t have consequences in the real world.”
The VR training, in combination with existing techniques, allows officers to practice responding to and defusing potentially volatile situations using soft skills and crisis-management techniques. The scenarios cover a range of topics including mental health, domestic violence, school violence, the teen brain, suicide prevention, and irate families.
Currently, there are six scenarios available, each lasting eight to 12 minutes, which can be used for standalone training or integrated into longer courses. The scenarios have been loaded onto 160 headsets and are accessible to Ohio’s 900 law enforcement agencies through the OPOTA Close to Home program.
The VR scenarios were developed in collaboration with Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, as well as local law enforcement agencies. Prior to launch, the goggles were tested by law enforcement leaders through the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University.
The goal of the VR training is to provide officers with a shared foundation of training across jurisdictions, ensuring more consistent and effective responses to complex situations. The immersive nature of the VR scenarios allows officers to hone their skills and de-escalation techniques in a safe environment.
Law enforcement officers who have tested the VR training have praised its effectiveness, with Sgt. John Earl of Whitehall Police stating, “I was very drawn into it,” and Lt. Amber Rich of Columbus Police noting, “You feel like you’re the third officer on scene.”
The launch of VR training for law enforcement in Ohio marks a significant step towards improving officer preparedness and ensuring community safety. With this innovative training tool, officers can better navigate challenging situations and ultimately contribute to safer streets for everyone.
