COLUMBUS, Ohio — Law enforcement around the state will be utilizing “immersive virtual reality trainings,” as announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost in a press release.

What You Need To Know

  • Law enforcement around the state will be utilizing “immersive virtual reality trainings,” as announced by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost
  • The point of the technology is to offer officers more realistic simulations of real-life situations, allowing them to practice their response and defusing skills

  • There are a total of 160 VR headsets equipped with these trainings, and the release notes that they are available to law enforcement agencies via the OPOTA Close to Home program

  • Law enforcement leaders at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University tested the goggles before their launch

The point of the technology is to offer officers more realistic simulations of real-life situations, allowing them to practice their response and defusing skills.

“These VR goggles are the next best thing to real-world experience because officers are immersed in split-second decision-making scenarios,” Yost said in the release. “If someone makes a mistake while using virtual reality, it doesn’t have consequences in the real world.”

A total of six “scenarios” cover the following range of topics:

  • Mental health
  • Domestic violence
  • School violence
  • The teen brain
  • Suicide prevention
  • Irate families

There are a total of 160 VR headsets equipped with these trainings, and the release notes that they are available to law enforcement agencies via the OPOTA Close to Home program, “a partnership between the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy and six regional training providers located throughout the state.”

Yost said this ensures a shared foundation in training regardless of jurisdiction.

“More consistent training means safer streets for everyone,” he said.

The technology was created in partnership with the following organizations: Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, McClure School of Emerging Communication Technologies, Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, the Athens Police Department, the Ohio University Police Department and the Athens County Sheriff’s Office.

Law enforcement leaders at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs at The Ohio State University tested the goggles before their launch, the release states.

“The John Glenn College of Public Affairs is committed to equipping future law enforcement leaders with the latest training methods,” said Greg Moody, director of professional development at the college, in the release. “We appreciated the opportunity to showcase the VR simulation technology with senior officers enrolled in our Public Safety Leadership Academy. The safe and immersive environment let officers hone their skills and de-escalation techniques, ultimately preparing them to effectively manage complex situations and ensure community safety.”