The Hopkins County Sheriff is using Virtual Reality technology to train its officers on de-escalation techniques involving conflict-resolution and effective communication with a person with mental illness. 

As per Jeff Welch, an active law enforcement officer, VR training allows deputies to simulate dozens of situations, including active shooter preparedness, traffic control and enforcement, and assisting in emergency scenes. In one of the scenarios, a deputy is placed at the entrance of a school, where he encounters two active shooters and learns how to prepare for and prevent an active shooter incident. 

The VR training allows deputies to have a 360-degree situational awareness, which prepares them to have an effective communication with the victim or the culprit and make informed decisions and judgments in any given scenario.