How immersive technology is advancing police training

By Christopher R. Harrison, PhD

The evolution of police training has always been closely tied to technological advances. From the early days of static classroom instruction and manual drills to the adoption of shooting simulators, law enforcement has long sought ways to enhance realism and effectiveness in officer preparation. Today, however, policing stands on the brink of a transformative training revolution powered by virtual reality (VR) and a broader suite of emerging technologies. These innovations offer immersive, adaptive and data-informed learning experiences, signaling a new era in police training.

As a former SWAT operator and police chief turned educator and academy instructor, I’ve had a front-row seat to the transformation in how we prepare officers for the field. While traditional lecture-based instruction remains valuable for delivering foundational knowledge — especially in areas such as constitutional law or procedure — it is increasingly evident that modern policing demands dynamic, context-rich and responsive training environments. That’s where immersive technologies enter the conversation.

| DOWNLOAD: How to buy virtual reality training

A shift from simulation to immersion

VR has opened new frontiers in police training by creating fully immersive environments that simulate the complexity and intensity of real-world encounters. These systems enable a level of interaction and unpredictability that closely mirrors the actual challenges officers face on the street.

Whether navigating a domestic disturbance, responding to an active shooter or de-escalating a volatile mental health crisis, trainees can now be placed inside the scenario, forced to think critically, communicate clearly and make decisions under pressure. [1]

Studies underscore VR’s impact. Research on active shooter drills found that VR significantly increased participants’ physiological and subjective stress markers, a strong indicator that these simulations approximate real-world conditions more effectively than traditional methods. [2] Similar results have been documented in simulated responses to mental health crises. [3] The ultimate goal is not simply training for a test, but preparing officers for the unpredictable realities they will face in the field.

Expanding the toolbox with emerging technologies

Emerging technologies are increasingly shaping police training by providing more realistic, adaptable and scalable methods of instruction. [4] These tools enhance effectiveness, reduce risk and improve long-term skill retention. The following examples highlight some of the most impactful innovations now influencing law enforcement training.

Virtual and augmented reality

Officers can be placed in immersive, scenario-based environments that simulate high-stakes encounters like traffic stops, active shooter events or mental health crises.

Benefits: Improved situational awareness, de-escalation techniques and emotional regulation
Considerations: Infrastructure and software update requirements

In addition to enhancing realism, VR and AR platforms allow for detailed after-action reviews, where instructors and trainees can deconstruct decisions made during the simulations. This reflective practice helps officers think about how they think and make decisions, improving their ability to assess situations and adjust their behavior in the future. Some programs now include eye-tracking, voice analysis and biometric feedback within the VR environment to evaluate attention, stress and communication under pressure. [3] These insights can be used to tailor future training to the specific development needs of each officer, reinforcing a more personalized and evidence-based training cycle.

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Artificial intelligence and machine learning

AI-powered platforms can adapt training content based on officer performance, offering predictive analytics and real-time feedback.

Benefits: Personalized learning pathways and enhanced decision-making support
Considerations: Ethical concerns, transparency and data privacy

AI-driven systems can also simulate dynamic scenarios that evolve in real time based on an officer’s verbal and physical responses. For instance, an officer engaging with a virtual subject during a de-escalation exercise may trigger different outcomes depending on tone, language choice or posture — allowing trainees to see the consequences of their actions unfold organically. [6] This adaptability makes AI an especially powerful tool for reinforcing critical thinking and communication skills. Moreover, by analyzing large volumes of training data, AI can help agencies identify trends and skill gaps across their departments, informing future training priorities and resource allocation. [3, 7]

Simulation-based firearms and use-of-force training

Advanced video simulators and judgment-based shooting scenarios help officers make split-second decisions between lethal and non-lethal options.

Benefits: Builds muscle memory, improves tactical judgment and potentially reduces use-of-force incidents
Considerations: Infrastructure and software update requirements

Modern simulators often incorporate branching scenarios, where an officer’s decision at a critical moment — such as issuing a verbal command or choosing to draw a weapon — can lead to multiple outcomes, each designed to reflect realistic consequences. These systems provide opportunities for officers to practice situational judgment in a safe, controlled setting while receiving immediate feedback on both their tactical and communication choices. Some platforms also integrate instructor-controlled variables, allowing trainers to increase or decrease threat levels in real time, which sharpens officers’ ability to assess and respond to rapidly evolving situations under stress. [5] This level of interactivity helps bridge the gap between classroom instruction and field application.

| DOWNLOAD: How to buy training simulators

Wearable technology

Devices such as biometric monitors and body-worn cameras provide data on stress responses and tactical movement.

Benefits: Enables performance coaching based on real-time physiological data
Considerations: Risk of data overload and privacy concerns

Wearable devices can capture a range of physiological indicators — such as heart rate variability, respiration and cortisol levels — that offer insights into how officers react under pressure. [3] When paired with video analysis from body-worn cameras, trainers can correlate physical responses with tactical decisions to better understand stress triggers and performance patterns. [7] This data-informed approach allows instructors to provide targeted coaching, helping officers build resilience and improve performance in high-stakes situations. Over time, such analysis may also contribute to early intervention strategies, flagging signs of burnout or stress-related impairment before they impact field performance or officer well-being.

Online learning platforms and e-learning

Asynchronous digital modules support foundational knowledge acquisition at an officer’s own pace (8).

Benefits: Scalable and cost-effective
Considerations: Less interactive and lacks the realism of live or simulated training

Modern e-learning platforms are becoming more sophisticated, incorporating multimedia content such as interactive case studies, scenario-based quizzes and embedded video analysis to increase engagement. Some systems now include built-in assessments that adapt in difficulty based on user responses, ensuring that officers are not passively consuming content but actively applying it. Additionally, mobile access allows officers to complete training modules during downtime or between shifts, promoting continuous learning without disrupting daily operations. While not a substitute for hands-on training, these platforms serve as a valuable supplement — especially for delivering legal updates, policy changes and procedural refreshers across large or geographically dispersed agencies.

| DOWNLOAD: How to buy online training systems

Drones and robotics

These tools are increasingly used in surveillance, tactical deployment and hazardous response training, offering hands-on learning in otherwise high-risk areas.

Benefits: Prepares officers for evolving field technology
Considerations: Equipment costs and regulatory hurdles

Integrating drones and robotics into training programs allows officers to develop critical skills in operating and coordinating with unmanned systems, which are increasingly deployed in real-world scenarios such as search and rescue, bomb detection and crowd monitoring. Training simulations can include tasks like piloting drones through obstacle courses or using robotic platforms to assess threats in confined or dangerous environments. These exercises not only build proficiency but also promote team coordination and strategic planning. As these tools become more commonplace in field operations, familiarity gained through training ensures officers can leverage them effectively and responsibly during active deployments. [9]

| DOWNLOAD: How to buy police drones

| DOWNLOAD: How to buy tactical robots

Adoption considerations

While these technologies offer significant promise, agencies must account for the costs of initial investment, maintenance, upgrades and technical support. Smaller or rural departments may face budget and staffing constraints that make implementation more difficult.

Sustained impact also depends on faculty development and infrastructure support. Ongoing training for instructors is essential to ensure that agencies use these tools effectively.

Equity remains an important factor. As larger agencies advance more quickly, under-resourced departments risk falling behind, widening gaps in training quality and preparedness. State-supported programs — such as those implemented in Ohio — show that these hurdles can be addressed when policymakers and agencies work together. [10]

| RELATED: Ohio launches virtual reality training systems for use at all state law enforcement agencies

Bridging problem-based learning and police training

As an advocate for problem-based learning (PBL) in both academic and training settings, I see clear parallels between PBL’s emphasis on applied knowledge and the evolving use of VR and AI in law enforcement. PBL encourages learners to explore real-world problems through critical thinking, research and reflection [11] — all essential skills for today’s officers.

When applied together, PBL and emerging technologies offer a model for truly modern police education: responsive, reflective and grounded in real-world challenges.

| RELATED: Problem-based learning in basic police academy instruction

The role of blended learning

Not all training must be fully immersive to be effective. Blended learning — the strategic combination of online modules with in-person simulation — is a practical and scalable model. For example, officers can review legal updates or procedures via e-learning modules, followed by instructor-led VR sessions or in-person tactical exercises. This hybrid approach not only enhances retention but also increases accessibility and scheduling flexibility. [12]

Looking ahead

Skeptics may ask, “When will we go back to how training used to be?” The better question is: Why would we? As one educator aptly noted, “Why should we want to go back to something we weren’t doing that great to begin with?” [13] The COVID-19 pandemic was a forcing function that accelerated innovation across the education and training sectors. Law enforcement is no different.

We are not just training officers for today’s world but preparing them for tomorrow’s. By embracing VR, AI and other emerging technologies within a flexible, problem-based framework, we empower officers to act decisively, think critically and serve their communities with professionalism and preparedness.

In a profession where lives depend on swift, informed decisions, outdated training is no longer acceptable. The tools are here. The time is now. Let’s ensure we use them effectively.

What kinds of training in your agency would benefit most from immersive technologies? Share below.

References

1. Dario LM, Saginor JD. Exploration of a virtual reality exercise to help train police with responding to mental health crises in the community. Crim Behav Ment Health. 2024;34(6):539-554.
2. McAllister MJ, Martaindale MH, Gonzalez AE, Case MJ. Virtual reality based active shooter training drill increases salivary and subjective markers of stress. Yale J Biol Med. 2022;95(1):105-113.
3. Munoz JE, Lavoie JA, Pope AT. Psychophysiological insights and user perspectives: Enhancing police de-escalation skills through full-body VR training. Front Psychol. 2024;15:1390677.
4. Dudley J. Virtual reality training is a reality for law enforcement. Police1. Published 2025.
5. Kleygrewe L, Vana Hutter RI, Koedijk M, Oudejans RRD. Changing perspectives: Enhancing learning efficacy with the after-action review in virtual reality training for police. Ergonomics. 2023;67(5):628-637.
6. Ma J. Smart tech meets forensics: Enhancing crime scene investigation with digital simulations. Forensic Sci Int. 2024;365:112296.
7. Murtinger M, Uhl JC, Atzmuller LM, Regal G, Roither M. Sound of the police: Virtual reality training for police communication for high-stress operations. Multimodal Technol Interact. 2024;8(6):46.
8. PowerDMS. Complete guide to online police training: How to implement an online training program in your police department. Published 2025.
9. Sommerville A, Lynar T, Joiner K, Wild G. Use of simulation for pre-training of drone pilots. Drones. 2024;8(11):640.
10. Putman J. Ohio launches virtual reality training systems for use at all state law enforcement agencies. Police1. Published 2024.
11. Vander Kooi GP, Palmer LB. Problem-based learning for police academy students: Comparison of those receiving such instruction with those in traditional programs. J Crim Justice Educ. 2014;25(2):175-195.
12. Belur J, Glasspoole-Bird H, Bentall C, Laufs J. What do we know about blended learning to inform police education? A rapid evidence assessment. Police Pract Res. 2022;24(1):32-52.
13. Spilde M. Change of plan: Breaking with the past to imagine our world anew. Presented at: Innovations Conference of the League for Innovation in the Community College; March 11-14, 2023; Tempe, AZ.

About the author

Christopher R. Harrison is a former police chief and SWAT operator who now serves as the Program Director for the Flight Path online criminal justice program in the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at East Carolina University. He holds a Ph.D. in Education focusing on Workforce and Organizational Development. His academic interests include law enforcement training, use of force and instructional design in criminal justice education. He also serves as a Police Academy Instructor, specializing in firearms training, rapid deployment and physical fitness.

| WATCH: In this episode of Policing Matters, host Jim Dudley talks with Dan O’Brien, President of HTC Vive Americas, to explore the multifaceted benefits of VR in law enforcement.