Lincoln Police Expand Virtual Reality Training for Modern Law Enforcement
The Lincoln Police Department has introduced an advanced virtual reality training programme to enhance officer preparedness in the field.
Nearly 18 months ago, the department collaborated with Axon to implement virtual reality training focused on TASER deployment and community engagement scenarios. Recently, the programme expanded to include handgun training, further refining officers’ decision-making and targeting skills.
During a demonstration, a local news reporter participated in the VR training, gaining insight into the immersive simulations officers experience. The programme was presented by Sergeant Justin Roach and Officer Matt Pulec, who detailed its features and benefits.
The TASER module simulates real-world situations with both stationary and moving targets, helping officers practice and refine their deployment techniques. The handgun module, on the other hand, requires officers to identify and shoot at various colored shapes and numbers, mimicking diverse tactical scenarios.
Roach emphasised the program’s value, noting that officers can repeatedly train with both TASERs and handguns multiple times each year. He highlighted improvements in targeting accuracy, successful applications, and overall officer confidence as key outcomes of the training.
Pulec underscored the importance of handgun training, explaining that it reinforces fundamental shooting techniques, including target identification, trigger manipulation, grip, and stance. The VR environment allows officers to practice without concerns about live-fire recoil or the logistical challenges of visiting a firing range.
Roach described the implementation of VR training as a necessary evolution in law enforcement training, asserting that agencies must continuously adapt to new technologies. While in-person training remains irreplaceable, he noted that virtual simulations provide a valuable supplement, offering extensive benefits for officer preparedness and effectiveness in the field.
The department’s leadership remains committed to ensuring that officers are exposed to innovative training methods that mirror the complexities of real-life encounters. The use of virtual reality in law enforcement training not only advances technical proficiency but also reinforces decision-making under stress. Department officials have reported increased morale and readiness among the ranks as a direct result of these immersive sessions. Furthermore, training instructors emphasise that simulated environments offer a controlled yet dynamic setting where officers can explore tactical variations and receive immediate performance feedback. This approach is seen as instrumental in bridging the gap between traditional training methods and emerging technological solutions in public safety.
