DOJ Program Calls for Use of VR To Aide Police

Although this sounds like something akin to a video game, it truly is a federal cooperative agreement opportunity. The Department of Justice (DOJ) is making $4 million in fiscal year 2023 funding available to an institution of higher education applicant under the Virtual Reality Training Development for Law Enforcement program (Assistance Listings No. 16.054), which aims to develop training by using fully immersive, virtual reality (VR)-based technology to improve police responses to individuals in crisis and other training areas that would benefit from the use of VR-based technology.

More specifically, the agency seeks to support a collaborative partnership between two or more universities to develop, design and pilot a VR-training program designed to improve law enforcement interactions with all individuals, with an emphasis on de-escalation tactics. “Adequately and effectively preparing law enforcement to engage with every member of the community results in greater public safety outcomes for all and increased community trust,” according to the program’s notice of funding opportunity. “New technologies, including VR systems designed for use by police, allow for multiparticipant engagement and can be integrated into training programs focused on improving law enforcement encounters. Universities are required to partner to carry out the activities of the federal award; however only one applicant can apply.”

Authorized by the Department of Justice Appropriations Act of 2023 (Pub. L. 117-328), this new program requires applicants to provide the following deliverables:

• outline how the project will be designed, piloted and delivered, specifically highlighting how the applicant will use a fully immersive, multiparticipant VR system customized for law enforcement;
• detail the process to design and develop training elements that will engage learners in the VR setting (e.g., providing a list of subject matter experts that the applicant will work with to ensure the training is designed to meet the unique needs and experiences of the law enforcement community and to ensure relevant disciplines, such as mental health experts, are represented); and
• identify and pilot the training curriculum in at least three diverse law enforcement agencies, which should include representation from small, rural and tribal law enforcement agencies.

DOJ anticipates issuing only one award to pilot this program, which would have a three-year performance. Interested universities must submit their application under this NOFO either through Grants.gov by Dec. 4 at 8:59 p.m. Eastern time, or via JustGrants by Dec. 11 at 8:59 p.m. Eastern time.

We have to admit, this is one grant program we would like to see in action once it’s awarded.

Join us for our following Thompson Grants events:
Thompson Grants Workshop: Procurement | Nov. 16, 2023 | Virtual Event
Federal Grants Forum | Dec. 6-8, 2023 | San Juan, P.R.