STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Public Safety
AGENDA DATE: August 28, 2024
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): N/A
DEPARTMENT: Police Department
EXECUTIVE: Dominique Artis
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize a three-year Interlocal Aagreement with Southern Methodist University Simmons School of Education and Human Development to provide consulting and technical assistance for the Dallas Police Department Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Grant Project for the period October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026 - Not to exceed $662,301.00 - Financing: BJA FY 23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Fund
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BACKGROUND
This item will assist the Dallas Police Department in developing Virtual Reality (VR) training scenarios for officers. Our department will use existing data from the Use of Force Analysis System and receive input from stakeholders and trainers to identify common scenarios that require de-escalation skills, such as encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises. 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 they may learn from their mistakes and refine future responses. The VR simulator and dashboard will be adapted and updated regularly based on data-driven lessons learned.
This project will consist of a team that is well-equipped to conduct the research, including the Dallas Police Department and researchers from Southern Methodist University with expertise in curriculum design, VR simulation, violence prevention, and program evaluation. 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...
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