How VR is Revolutionising Crime Scene Training for the UK Police
The UK Police required a bespoke training programme for the newly created role of investigative officer. Each new recruit must complete a 15-week training programme to become a fully operational officer, with crime scene training being an essential component of the course. Officers need to effectively assess a crime scene and collect various types of evidence in a way that is both safe and lawful, ensuring that the evidence collected is admissible in a court of law.
Why Did the UK Police Need VR?
Previously, crime scene training was delivered using two main methods:
- Mock crime scenes: Creating fabricated crime scenes that officers could use for hands-on practice.
- Real crime scene shadowing: Allowing recruits to observe trained officers at actual crime scenes.
However, both of these approaches come with significant challenges:
- Mock crime scenes are costly and time-consuming to build, requiring large physical spaces and extensive resources to create different scenarios.
- Real crime scene training can put new recruits in potentially dangerous situations and may not provide the necessary variety and complexity needed to complete the training within the designated time frame.
The Benefits of VR Crime Scene Training
Virtual Reality (VR) offers several key benefits over traditional training methods and effectively overcomes the challenges associated with physical or real-life crime scenes.
1. Improved Safety
VR training takes place in a controlled, risk-free environment, eliminating the need for recruits to visit actual crime scenes before they are fully trained. This enhances both the safety of new officers and those currently on duty.
2. Supports Remote Learning
With VR headsets being easily transportable, training can be delivered remotely, reducing the need for recruits to travel between different locations. This feature has been particularly beneficial for ensuring COVID-19 safety through social distancing and minimising physical contact.
3. Reduced Space Requirements
Unlike physical mock crime scenes, VR training requires minimal space—just 2 square metres per officer. This drastically reduces the need for large training facilities or extensive storage space for fabricated sets.
4. More Cost-Effective
By eliminating the need for physical sets, props, actors, and instructors, VR offers significant cost savings. The training scenarios can be repeated or adapted without additional expenses, making the programme much more resource-efficient.
5. Saves Time
With virtual crime scenes, modifications can be made quickly and easily, allowing for multiple training scenarios to be delivered in a fraction of the time required for traditional methods. There’s no need to rebuild physical sets or travel to real crime scenes, saving both time and effort.
How Has VR Training Been a Success?
The adoption of VR training has revolutionised the way new investigative officers are trained. Key benefits and successes include:
- Flexible Training Locations: Officers can now be trained anywhere, including remotely, without needing to visit real crime scenes, which improves safety for both new and current officers.
- Adaptable Virtual Crime Scenes: The force now has access to a comprehensive library of virtual crime scenes that can be easily adapted to provide multiple scenarios. The drag-and-drop interface requires minimal coding, making it simple for trainers to modify or expand on existing training scenarios.
- Automated Progress Testing: The VR software, Visionary Render, includes features that test and track the progress of trainees, ensuring proficiency before they move on to the next stage. This digital feedback loop allows new recruits to train independently, reducing the need for constant supervision and cutting down on training costs.
- Cost-Effective, Efficient Training: The use of VR has streamlined the training process, saving time and money while improving the safety and effectiveness of the training programme.
The Future of VR in Police Training
By embracing Virtual Reality, the UK Police Force has created a cost-effective, efficient, and safe training programme for investigative officers. The ability to deliver training in any location, customise crime scene scenarios, and provide real-time feedback has transformed the way new officers are prepared for duty, setting a new standard for immersive learning in law enforcement.