The association between participant characteristics and perceptions of the effectiveness of law enforcement tactical simulator training

Police Killings: Road Map of Research Priorities for Change

“…Though the efficacy of virtual reality training has not been extensively studied and the approach is not widespread, recent work demonstrates that it has the potential to more cost-effectively simulate realistic and stressful conditions for officers during training sessions (Giessing, 2021). A recent exploratory study on realistic virtual training on firearms and tactics with a small number of participants found that officers thought that virtual training was a useful method (Comiskey et al, 2021). The study's findings also suggested that younger officers and those with higher levels of education were more positive about and open to the simulated training approach (Comiskey et al, 2021).…”

“…A recent exploratory study on realistic virtual training on firearms and tactics with a small number of participants found that officers thought that virtual training was a useful method (Comiskey et al, 2021). The study's findings also suggested that younger officers and those with higher levels of education were more positive about and open to the simulated training approach (Comiskey et al, 2021). Although the study did not specifically look at the impact of simulated training on police shootings, its findings support the idea that virtual, simulated training environments may help officers learn to handle stress before they encounter critical incidents while on the street.…”