BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative

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. BJA seeks to support law enforcement agencies through the adoption of innovative, immersive virtual reality technology designed for training law enforcement. New technologies—including virtual reality systems that are designed for use by police, allow for multiparticipant engagement, and can be integrated into training programs focused on improving responses to encounters with individuals in crisis—should be the basis of proposals for this program. New technologies, such as those designed for law enforcement trainings to model reality virtually, should enable police to prepare for the intense situations they may face in communities. Such technologies allow law enforcement to share their world in a virtual setting with critical partners interested in public safety. Adequately and effectively preparing law enforcement to engage with every member of the community, including individuals with intellectual and/or development disabilities and people with mental health disorders, results in greater public safety outcomes for all and increased community trust.