VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – The Virginia Beach Sheriff’s Office is expanding its commitment to excellence in training by incorporating immersive virtual reality (VR) technology into deputy in-service instruction, providing personnel with realistic, scenario-based training designed to strengthen decision- making, communication and de-escalation skills.
The innovative training program, led by Master Deputy II Karen Walsh and Master Deputy II Shae Hardy, places deputies in high-pressure situations that closely mirror the types of encounters they may face while serving the community. Using VR headsets and interactive training equipment, deputies are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively and make sound decisions in a safe, controlled environment.
"Training is one of the most important investments we can make in our deputies and in the safety of our community," said Sheriff Rocky Holcomb. "Virtual reality allows us to expose our crimefighters to a wide variety of realistic scenarios, helping them build confidence, improve judgment and reinforce the skills needed to respond professionally and appropriately in challenging situations."
The VR training library includes scenarios involving individuals experiencing mental health crises, including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, Alzheimer's, post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal ideation. These immersive exercises help deputies strengthen de-escalation techniques while developing a greater understanding of how to safely and effectively respond to people in crisis.
The program also features peer intervention scenarios that reinforce an officer's responsibility to recognize and address situations in which another officer's actions could unnecessarily escalate an encounter. For corrections personnel, specialized modules focus on improving observation skills, situational awareness and decision-making within a correctional environment.
In addition, deputies receive advanced TASER training through the Axon VR platform. Using equipment that closely replicates the TASER devices carried on duty, deputies practice proper deployment techniques, target recognition and effective engagement while experiencing realistic variables such as subject movement, body positioning and different types of clothing. The Sheriff's Office also utilizes VR firearm simulators that mirror the department-issued Glock pistol, allowing deputies to improve weapon handling and target recognition in an immersive setting.
Basic Academy recruits are also benefiting from the technology through virtual building-clearing exercises that emphasize communication, teamwork and sound tactical decision-making before progressing to live training environments.
About the Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office
The Virginia Beach Sheriff's Office is responsible for operating the Virginia Beach Correctional Center, providing courthouse and courtroom security, serving civil process and supporting community engagement initiatives throughout the City of Virginia Beach.
Media contact: Public Information Officer Toni Guagenti at tguagenti@vbso.net , 757-385-8446 or 757-373-5012.
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