Axon, the company known for manufacturing Taser devices, has a virtual reality training program aimed at enhancing training for officers using Tasers and enabling them to make split-second decisions in life-like scenarios. The program seeks to familiarize officers with the use of Tasers and help them effectively incapacitate suspects without resorting to deadly force. Axon supplies Tasers and body cameras to numerous police departments across the United States.

The virtual reality training utilizes headsets, wrist controllers, and the officer's actual Taser equipped with a special virtual reality cartridge. The training can be easily transported in a small duffel bag, enabling police departments to conduct training during roll calls or at police stations, saving time and resources. Additionally, the program allows officers to receive training on a continuous basis rather than being called to a training center or police academy.

The portability and constant accessibility of the training have received positive feedback from departments that have piloted the program. Traditional training simulators have often been expensive and required specific installations, but Axon's new equipment only requires a small space, allowing trainers to be located remotely or work from home.

The training offers officers the opportunity to practice at a virtual firing range and experience three-dimensional scenarios where multiple suspects approach. The objective is to train officers to quickly determine when and how to use their Taser effectively, including choosing the appropriate spread for the prongs and wires that deliver the electric current to temporarily incapacitate an individual by overriding their central nervous system.

Axon plans to expand the training program further, with a scenario that incorporates Taser training in the context of responding to domestic abuse calls. The aim is to create a mobile and flexible training system that can be easily deployed and conducted in different locations, allowing trainers and trainees to participate remotely.

Several police departments, such as the one in New Castle, Delaware, have already implemented Axon's community training programs and are now expanding their training with the Taser virtual reality program. The convenience and portability of the training have been major benefits for these departments, enabling officers to train during every shift, including overnight.

In addition to Taser training, Axon offers virtual reality community engagement training that helps officers de-escalate situations and interact with victims or suspects in real-life scenarios. These modules were developed in collaboration with mental health experts, community advocates, and other professionals. According to a report from the National League of Cities, officers who underwent this training reported feeling better prepared to adapt their approach to related calls and gained a better understanding of different perspectives.

Virtual reality training provides officers with the opportunity to experience incidents from multiple perspectives, allowing them to view situations from the viewpoint of both officers and victims. The portability of the training program is particularly advantageous for cities like Phoenix, where officers may have to travel long distances to attend the police academy. With virtual reality headsets, officers can train in their own precincts, minimizing the time they spend away from their patrol duties.

Overall, Axon's virtual reality training program aims to enhance officer training and decision-making when it comes to using Tasers, ensuring they are better equipped to handle real-life scenarios while reducing the reliance on deadly force and improving community relations.