The Sacramento Police Department is one law enforcement agency that uses virtual reality to recreate real-world police encounters.

“Nothing comes closer to real-life experiences than high-fidelity VR.

There is no question that the most impactful training comes from experience.”

FBI Agent Matthew McLaughlin participating in a virtual reality training exercise.

David McNew / Getty Images

But he said that simulators could help train officers to use tactics other than shooting in encounters.

The Sacramento department is far from the only police department to use virtual reality simulators.

Virtual reality is the first digital format to trigger the body into believing that the experience is real.

Ohio Universityrecently launcheda virtual reality training program for police officers in remote areas.

Its meant to reduce the use of force and teach de-escalation techniques.

“We hope that this initiative can help fill that void.”

Virtual reality training is helpful for police because it can make training more realistic than was previously possible.

“It is not just a cognitive experience, but also an emotional and experiential one.”

VR Is an Unproven Solution

Not everyone is convinced that VR is the answer.

I can’t capture that with a computer-generated image."