There's potential for emotions to run high whenever an RCMP officer responds to a call. Their decisions can sometimes mean life or death.
So how can cadets best prepare to de-escalate a situation when a suspect feels trapped, angry, and afraid while bystanders are near? How do they stay focused around distractions? How do they keep a level head when responding to potentially dangerous situations?
These are some of the questions the RCMP's Greg Krätzig thinks about, and what ultimately led him to reach out to the University of Regina to study scenario training using virtual reality (VR).
Krätzig, the director of research and strategic partnerships at the RCMP Depot Division, says that every new RCMP officer must complete an intensive six-month training program at the training academy in Regina, Saskatchewan.
"While the program covers skills and academic training, it also provides realistic, evidence-based training that helps prepare cadets to keep our communities safe and secure," says Krätzig.
He adds that while most police-public interactions are peaceful and positive, "unfortunately there are also situations that require the police to use force in a rapidly changing situation."
It's moments like these that necessitate exceptional decision-making skills, and this is the area that Krätzig and his research team are delving into.
The RCMP has used simulation technology (driving simulators and simulators for marksmanship and judgment training) for many years. But with the rapid development of VR and through discussions with other safety and security partners, Krätzig envisioned using VR as a meaningful way to deliver training that was not previously possible.
But now it is.
