VR Helps West Midlands Police Address Women’s Safety
Virtual reality is now playing a key role in equipping new police recruits with a deeper understanding of how crimes against women unfold, especially from the perspective of those affected. The West Midlands Police has introduced an innovative training programme that leverages VR technology to place officers directly into realistic scenarios designed to mirror the experiences of women navigating the city at night.
The police force has partnered with specialist training provider Calico to deliver these immersive sessions. It is currently the only police force in the UK to adopt this particular VR approach. The programme aims to train 700 new recruits by April, marking a significant shift towards empathy-led policing.
Each trainee wears a virtual reality headset, allowing them to experience Birmingham from the point of view of a woman moving through the city after dark. These simulations unfold along four distinct routes: through a park, by taxi, by bus, and on foot, each reflecting varying challenges women may face during their daily commute or late-night travel.
Importantly, the training is based on real-world accounts. Voices heard during the VR experience are those of women sharing their own lived experiences with harassment, stalking, and other forms of intimidation. This aspect has been critical in helping recruits understand how threatening or unsafe common situations can feel for women, even when no crime is explicitly taking place.
According to the force, male officers, in particular, have found the training eye-opening. Participants have reported a marked shift in their perception and response to potential threats against women. The scenarios challenge long-held assumptions and encourage open dialogue within the training sessions.
For example, officers are encouraged to reflect on their own body language, tone of voice, and situational awareness in public spaces. The training further prompts discussion on the broader social context, how certain actions may be interpreted by victims, and how officers can respond with greater sensitivity and awareness.
The immersive nature of VR has helped build empathy, particularly among those who have never experienced the type of fear or vulnerability often described by women in such situations. Officers who completed the training said it has improved their ability to identify and handle crimes like harassment, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and stalking.
West Midlands Police noted that this VR initiative is only one part of its broader strategy to tackle violence against women and girls (VAWG). Though traditional training has been in place for some time, this new approach provides a more powerful and memorable learning experience.
Assistant Chief Constable Jen Mattinson, who leads the force’s efforts in combating VAWG, emphasised the commitment to continued innovation. She stated that West Midlands Police will keep investing in modern tools and techniques to protect the community and foster safer environments for women.
As the pilot phase continues, insights gathered from the sessions will inform further training rollouts, with the ultimate goal of shaping a police culture that is more attuned to the realities of gender-based violence. By embracing virtual reality, the force is not only training officers to respond better but also working to shift mindsets, a crucial step in creating safer communities for everyone.
