Axon launches VR Simulator Training to help cops practice de-escalation skills

The new program includes VR training modules in firearms, de-escalation and community engagement

By Police1 Staff

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — On Tuesday, Axon launched its latest Virtual Reality (VR) Simulator Training. The VR training program intends to help officers develop and practice de-escalation skills and practice critical thinking, according to a company press release.

With VR Simulator Training, officers can train anywhere, even remotely, the company said. VR Simulator Training integrates with Axon Academy and with TASER 7 weapons. The program currently offers VR training modules in firearms training, de-escalation and community engagement scenarios.

A man demonstrates Axon's VR equipment and a version of the TASER 7 that utilizes VR technology for training on Thursday, May 12, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

"Axon's VR Simulator Training is truly a new era in law enforcement training," said Chris Chin, Axon VP of Immersive Technologies, in a statement. "It directly supports Axon's mission to protect life by giving law enforcement officers the ability to work through situations they see in their communities daily via VR and help create better outcomes for everyone."

The Phoenix Police Department was one of the first agencies to test the product. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego says the program has been a success and reduced training costs, according to the release.

"With this new VR training, we've reduced the cost and time that it takes to get our officers the training they need to perform at their best," Gallego said in a statement. “I've experienced the VR training, and it was amazing to see the same incident from different perspectives.”

The VR Simulator Training kit comes with an HTC VIVE Focus 3 VR headset and the VIVE Wrist Tracker.