Immersed in Training

Abstract

The aim of this thesis was to gain insights into the implementation and application of VR training for police agencies. In current police training practices, police agencies employ scenario-based training to simulate on-duty tasks. While the use of scenario-based training allows trainees to prepare for on-duty situations in training, the organization and delivery of real-life scenario-based training is resource-intensive. Training technologies — particularly Virtual Reality (VR) — present a new training tool for scenario-based training. Immersive VR for police training allows police agencies to simulate a broad range of environments and scenarios without the need for specific training locations or props. In addition, VR allows police trainers to safely integrate vulnerable populations (e.g., children, animals, elderly) and high-risk material (e.g., explosives) in training. Specifically using full-body motion tracking, police officers can move about in the simulated environments and utilize their equipment (e.g., weapon belts) as they would in real-life training and on-duty. Research investigating the efficacy of VR is becoming more prevalent; nonetheless, the evidence on common training standards for the successful use of VR for police training is scarce. The studies presented capture VR police training from an interdisciplinary, context-dependent, and evidence-based perspective. Taken together, the chapters in this thesis highlight considerations and evidence-based guidelines for implementing and applying VR to existing police training. In this way, this thesis contributes to the advancement and innovation of police training practices.