STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: January 24, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Jon Fortune
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize the (1) application for and acceptance of a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice for the BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Grant (Federal/State Award ID. No. 15PBJA-23-GG-05378-NTCP, Assistance Listing No. 16.738) in the amount of $792,862.00 for the purpose of equipping officers with effective de-escalation skills and reducing excessive use of force for the period October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026; (2) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $792,862.00 in the BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Fund; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $792,862.00 in the BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Fund; and (4) execution of the grant agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $792,862.00 - Financing: U.S. Department of Justice Grant Funds
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BACKGROUND
This item will help the Dallas Police Department to develop Virtual Reality (VR) training scenarios for officers. Our department will identify common scenarios that require de-escalation skills, such as encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises. Use existing data from the Use of Force Police Force Analysis System and receive input from stakeholders and trainers. This training will help enhance accuracy and relevance in the creation of virtual scenarios. As trainees navigate through scenarios, the VR system will capture movement, decisions and actions and provide a dashboard of their responses, allowing for immediate analysis and feedback so that they may learn from their mistakes, and refine future responses. The VR simulator and dashboard will be adapted and updated regularly based upon data-driven lessons learned.
This project will consist of a team that’s well-equipped to conduct the research, consisting of the Dallas Police Department, and researchers from Southern Methodist University with expertise in curriculum design, VR simulation, violence prevention, and program evaluation. Along with experienced trainers at the Dallas Police Academy, a robust research design and a capable team, the project aims to improve officers’ performance, promote community trust, and contribute to the larger goal of strengthening police and community relationships.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
The Public Safety Committee was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on January 8, 2024. <https://cityofdallas.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=12559491&GUID=38108B88-46B1-4C3B-A7AA-E8BE56AD8A28>
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2024 |
FY 2025 |
Future Years |
|
U.S. Department of Justice Grant Funds |
$475,106.50 |
$189,959.50 |
$127,796.00 |