West Midlands Police is pioneering the use of virtual reality (VR) technology in the UK to train new police officers, specifically to enhance their understanding of male crimes against women. In collaboration with the training provider Calico, the force aims to deliver interactive VR sessions to 700 recruits by April.
During these VR classes, officers don headsets that immerse them in scenarios where they navigate through Birmingham as women, particularly during nighttime. This approach is part of a broader strategy to tackle pressing issues such as stalking, harassment, rape, and domestic violence.
The immersive simulation allows participants to choose from four different paths—whether by park, taxi, or bus—while interacting with realistic audio clips that present the voices and experiences of women. This unique method aims to deepen officers’ empathy and understanding of the various situations victims may face.
According to West Midlands Police, the male officers have found this training particularly beneficial. PC Aaron Whittingslow remarked, “I’ve never experienced the world as a woman does. The session has thrown me into that world through the virtual reality goggles, and we’ve had some good discussions with female colleagues. It’s really made me think about how I’d support victims, how my actions may be perceived, and, as a new dad, the kind of world my daughter will grow up in.”
While officers have previously engaged in various training programs to address violence against women and girls (VAWG), this innovative approach is expected to better equip them to protect victims.
Assistant Chief Constable Jen Mattinson, who leads the VAWG initiative, expressed her pride in West Midlands Police’s leadership in this area: “I’m proud to see West Midlands Police leading the way by providing training opportunities like this, in our committed approach to tackling violence against women and girls. This session is one of many tools that we are investing in as a force, to protect the communities we serve, and we will continually invest time, money, and effort to combat VAWG.”
