In collaboration with the University of Exeter and trainers from the Metropolitan Police, Cineon is pioneering the use of virtual reality (VR) to revolutionise counter-terror policing. This innovative project focuses on equipping police officers with the skills they need to identify terror-related activity during house searches, helping to prevent incidents before they occur.
Enhancing Search Skills in High-Pressure Environments
House searches are a critical aspect of counter-terror operations, requiring officers to:
- Identify potentially dangerous items.
- Execute effective searches under time constraints and pressure.
VR provides a realistic, flexible training environment that surpasses traditional classroom-based methods, enabling officers to practise and refine their search strategies in scenarios that mimic real-life challenges.
Gamified Learning and Eye-Tracking
Led by Dr. David Harris from the University of Exeter, this project incorporates gamified learning techniques to enhance knowledge retention. The VR system also utilises in-VR eye-tracking technology to assess how officers search environments, providing valuable data to refine training and improve outcomes.
Broader Applications of VR Training
This project, funded by the Royal Academy of Engineering UKIC programme, is also exploring the broader potential of VR-based training. Beyond policing, the research investigates how VR can enhance skill acquisition in areas like sports training—for example, improving golf performance through targeted, immersive practice.
