There has been a significant increase in using virtual reality for training purposes. Numerous companies see merit in this immersive approach. It now appears law enforcement agencies are also experimenting with VR training exercises. The Dallas Police Academy is the latest one to do so, as their training exercise seems to offer a lot of advantages.
An Enhanced Police Training Simulation
It is always interesting to see how virtual reality technology is being used in the real world. Tremendous potential seemingly awaits where staffer training exercises are concerned. The Dallas Police Academy has recently begun using a multi-screen simulator to train officials. By using this controlled environment, there is a lot of potential waiting to be unlocked in the near future. So far, the initial response to this new training scenario seems to be rather positive.
For officers, this VR training exercise offers a lot of potential benefits. It allows them to hone their skills in a controlled environment where human error will not cost lives in the end. Moreover, it also promotes teamwork and strengthens the ties between officials who work together on the streets. Working together as a cohesive unit often makes the difference between life or death in dangerous situations.
What is rather interesting is how the trainees are using the same weapons as they carry on the street. Although this training simulation has been in place for seven years now, the VR “touch” was only introduced recently. By purposefully focusing on an immersive situation and environment, a lot of new use cases can be explored in the process. This also allows for focusing on very specific training exercises which would otherwise require officials to put their life on the line in the real world.
For those officers who “fail” the exercise and end up getting shot, an electrical shock will be sent throughout their body. This makes the training simulation even more immersive than before, It also ensures the officials effectively learn about their mistakes in the process while still focusing on the job in front of them. So far, over 340 officers have taken the training, with more of them to follow suit in the months to come.
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