Virtual reality Taser training to help police reduce ammo costs

POLICE will be taught to use Tasers by undergoing virtual reality training for the first time in Britain, as forces look at innovative ways to save money.

Derbyshire Constabulary is pioneering the hi-tech training method that involves placing officers in virtual reality (VR) headsets, so they can simulate different scenarios and fire as many Taser cartridges as they want.

If the trial proves a success, VR training could be rolled out nationally.

Pete Moss, Derbyshire Constabulary’s Taser training manager, said: “The programme that has been developed is a game-changer for our training of officers in the use of Taser.

“The realism really does have to be seen to be believed. Being able to put officers in realistic situations – rather than the staged ones we set up – really does take the training to a new level.

“This can help give officers more time in scenarios, which means they are even better prepared should they need to use a Taser.”

The force says the methods also save them tens of thou- sands of pounds by using fewer Taser cartridges.

Mr Moss added: “First and foremost the programme offers some huge benefits for the training of officers.

“But a by-product of the new training is that, fewer Taser cartridges [are] being used.”

Derbyshire Constabulary stressed that officers would still be trained with real Tasers and are expected to complete 24 hours of training before they are qualified to handle the weapon.

Usually, each officer discharges 21 cartridges in their training, and they have a refresher course every six months.

‘Being able to put officers in realistic situations, rather than staged ones, will take the training to a new level’