The value of virtual reality in training

OPOTA’s virtual-reality program emphasizes situational decision-making, which has been shown by researchers to decrease the use of force, discretionary arrests and officer injuries. It is designed to develop “soft skills” (such as listening and de-escalation techniques) rather than tactical skills (such as shooting or making arrests).

Once trainees put on the headsets, they are “dropped” into the virtual world of the scenarios. Because the videos are filmed with 360-degree cameras — a technique that records the view in every direction at the same time — officers feel as if they’re part of the action.

“These VR goggles are the next best thing to real-world experience because officers are immersed in split-second decision-making scenarios,” Attorney General Dave Yost says.

This series of cinematic virtual-reality experiences activates several senses at once and accommodates various learning styles better than traditional classroom courses do. As a result, it generally improves a person’s ability to process, distill and retain key information, enabling more thorough and faster learning.

The curriculum content is developed in a series approach with six episodes produced per season; episodes can be viewed independently or collectively. To date, two seasons have been completed.

In immersing participants into a simulated, lived experience that officers can use to transform their own skills and abilities in a safe environment, the officers become a “fly on the wall” to absorb the critical learning objectives. The viewing is followed up with an extensive debrief led by an instructor.

The desired outcome is to improve the police responses that officers provide for people in crisis and to the communities they serve. As the series tagline states, “Walk a shift in four officers’ shoes. Preparing for, responding to, and going beyond the call.”

The VR content

OPOTA produces the video content for the VR headsets in collaboration with Ohio University, the Athens and OU police departments, and the Athens County Sheriff's Office.

To date, two series are completed, with each consisting of six videos. Multiple lesson plans comprise each video because each can be used to train officers across a range of roles, including first-line supervisors, field training officers, patrol officers and tactical officers.