UK Police Force Uses VR To Teach Recruits Empathy
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England's West Midlands Police Force has introduced virtual reality (VR) headsets into its initial training program, giving new recruits the chance to experience real-world scenarios from the perspective of victims. The goal: to foster empathy and understanding from day one.
Developed in partnership with Birmingham-based social enterprise Calico, the initiative was recently showcased at The Emergency Services Show. Using immersive VR, trainees navigate realistic nighttime environments - walking through parks, boarding buses, or taking taxis - experiencing the everyday precautions women take to feel safe.
West Midlands Police is the first force in England to work with the company to embed the training which will be delivered to all new recruits until April 2026, totalling around 700 officers.
