BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality Training Development for Law Enforcement

OJP is committed to advancing work that promotes civil rights and racial equity, increases access to justice, supports crime victims and individuals impacted by the justice system, strengthens community safety and protects the public from crime and evolving threats, and builds trust between law enforcement and the community.

With this solicitation, BJA seeks to support a collaborative partnership between two or more universities to develop, design, and pilot a virtual reality training program designed to improve law enforcement interactions with all individuals, with an emphasis on de-escalation tactics. New technologies, including virtual reality systems designed for use by police, allow for multiparticipant engagement and can be integrated into training programs focused on improving law enforcement encounters. Universities are required to partner to carry out the activities of the federal award; however only one applicant can apply.

Technologies designed for law enforcement trainings to model reality virtually should enable police to prepare for the situations they may face in communities while providing officers an opportunity to practice decision-making and de-escalation techniques in a safe and controlled environment. These technologies also allow law enforcement to share their world in a virtual setting with critical partners interested in learning more about the role of public safety. Adequately and effectively preparing law enforcement to engage with every member of the community results in greater public safety outcomes for all and increased community trust.