Training police to de-escalate mental health crisis situations: Comparing virtual reality and live-action scenario-based approaches

Abstract Virtual reality is an emerging frontier that offers immersive simulations with the capacity to revolutionize police training. This study evaluated a scenario-based training approach by comparing the delivery of simulations in Virtual Reality (VR) and Live Action (LA). Participation in this mental health crisis response training program in either format led to a significantly greater acquisition of de-escalation competencies compared to a control group. VR format showed comparable effectiveness to the LA format in bringing about improved de-escalation skills through scenario-based training. The training was equally effective across all officer experience levels. The VR group showed a greater reduction in bias towards mental illness compared to the control group. Further, the VR format was found to be no more cognitively demanding than live action. The article discusses the centrality of de-escalation skills in police practice and considers the larger implications of de-escalation training delivered through virtual reality applications for increased consistency, cost-efficiencies, and professionalization.