VR is the Latest De-Escalation Training Tool for Future Utah Police Officers

Utah State University Police Academy utilizes Apex Officer's VR de-escalation to train new students.

Virtual reality (VR) de-escalation training simulators are being used to provide the future police officers in the state of Utah with the experience and knowledge needed to perform under high stress situations.

Apex Officer, the leading provider of VR training simulators for law enforcement, military, and first responders has announced that Utah State University Eastern Police Officer Academy located in Price, Utah, has installed the Apex Officer virtual reality training simulator.

Utah State University Police Academy is using Apex Officer's VR de-escalation program to teach new students how to handle tense situations. Apex Officer is a VR training program that uses realistic graphics and sound to simulate difficult encounters with officers. The program has been used by law enforcement agencies around the world, and teaches officers how to diffuse tense situations without resorting to force.

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With the national focus on de-escalation and use of force training for law enforcement officers, the USU Police Academy saw an opportunity to implement futuristic and innovative law enforcement training technology in the classroom that will aid the development of Utah's future police officers.

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Student participates in a VR de-escalation training module using the Apex Officer simulator.

USU Eastern Police Academy Using Virtual Reality to Better Train Officers

Utah State University Eastern is fast becoming the elite training center for law enforcement in Eastern Utah and their acquisition of the Apex Officer training system is another leap forward. USU Eastern Police Officer Academy solves a major dilemma for rural counties in Eastern Utah in desperate need for well trained officers.

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Learn more about how USU Eastern Police Academy Utilizes the Apex Officer VR Training Simulator by reading their recent press release titled: USU Eastern Police Academy Using Virtual Reality to Better Train Officers

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Utah's Department of Public Safety - Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) division oversees Utah State University Eastern Police Academy and the other satellite academies across the state:

The faculty at USU Eastern are working professionals or retired from various criminal justice fields. They relish the opportunity to share their knowledge and expertise with students. They care about what they do and the students they mentor. They strive to teach current methods using their vast experiences and today’s latest technology.

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USU Police Academy instructors operating the Apex Officer system while a trainee runs through a de-escalation scenario.

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De-escalation Training for Utah Police Officers

“As local governments and communities across the nation grapple with vacancies and calls for police reforms, it is amazing to see police academies take proactive steps to assist future officers stay in the communities they know,” said Chase Dittmer, co-founder of Apex Officer. “It’s a great way to have officers that not only represent their communities, but are also familiar with the unique challenges and residents. I believe no other training simulator allows academies and police departments to focus training specifically to their state and communities. ”

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The Apex Officer training simulator improves officer’s decision making in high-pressure situations by placing trainees into immersive three-dimensional environments and experiences. Students develop a foundation of positive community policing, de-escalation, use of force, and implicit bias skills prior to joining a law enforcement agency. Effective policing is an acquired skill that requires repeated exposure with experience to improve skills and confidence. With the Apex Officer VR simulator the students at USU police academy will have a training tool that can help them put their skills learned through traditional classroom methods to use.

USU Police Academy instructor operates the VR simulator while a trainee is immersed in a VR training environment.

"With many law enforcement academies not having access to high-end training for their recruits, it was an impactful decision to provide students in the Criminal Justice Program with the best training tool available," said Chase Dittmer "As the future of law enforcement in Utah, students will have a training platform that was designed in the field with law enforcement for law enforcement , that will help save lives and positively impact Utah communities."

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