Force uses VR to teach recruits the reality of violence against women

West Midlands Police is giving new recruits virtual reality (VR) headsets to experience incidents from the perspective of victims, in a bid to build empathy from day one. The initiative, developed with Birmingham-based social enterprise Calico, was showcased at The Emergency Services Show.

The training puts recruits in realistic public scenarios after dark – walking through parks, taking buses or taxis – allowing them to experience the precautions women take daily to stay safe. Daz Scott, co-founder of Calico, recalls a participant saying: “I want the police to have a moment of realisation, to see it through our eyes. I feel unsafe every day.”

Sergeant Laura Burke, who oversees initial training at West Midlands Police, said the VR sessions complement a three-hour classroom discussion on victim-centred policing. “We really work hard to equip new recruits with the knowledge and skills around the legislation, and also to challenge victim-blaming language,” she said.

The programme is part of a 22-week recruit course, with three weeks devoted to vulnerability training covering domestic violence, child abuse, and sexual offences. Burke said: “Preparation is central – helping staff pursue offenders properly and signpost victims to the right organisations.”

The approach comes in the wake of high-profile cases such as Sarah Everard’s murder in 2020, which highlighted the risks women face and led to violence against women and girls (VAWG) being classified as a national threat. Globally, one in three women experience violence from partners or other men, 82% fear walking alone in public, and 37% avoid quiet spaces, according to Burke.

Student officers said the VR experience shifted their perspective. One male recruit reflected on the bus scenario: “I felt myself shuffling to the left a little… and then realised it’s not even real. Imagine what a woman goes through in real life.” Another recruit, Tara, who previously worked in the force’s control room, said: “Experiencing it helps me put myself in their shoes and understand what they go through.”

The pilot increased recruits’ knowledge of VAWG risks, shifted attitudes and behaviours, and improved practical skills for victim-centred policing. West Midlands Police now delivers the programme to all new recruits and is evaluating its long-term impact. Plans are underway to expand VR training to other forces and create new modules for nightlife, transport, and bar staff.

Creating the VR experience was resource-intensive, “It costs about £50,000… and took six months to make,” said Daz Scott, funded through Innovate UK, but once developed, it can be reused and updated efficiently.

West Midlands Police’s early adoption of VR shows how technology can address complex social challenges. Combining immersive experiences with empathy-led discussions, the force is giving officers the skills to better support victims and build public trust. As Burke says: “Preparation is key to making sure all of the other areas, prevention, protection, pursuit, are being looked at.”

Listen to the full session below:

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