Virtual Reality De-escalation Training Funding for CDOC

The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC)will purchase and implement a fully immersive, multiparticipant virtual reality technology specifically designed to support the training of Colorado Department of Correction’s Division of Adult Parole in de-escalation techniques. An agency-wide strategy will be developed for the integration of the new immersive, virtual reality (VR) scenario-based training to allow multiple officers/persons to simultaneously participate in the training as a means for practicing de-escalation techniques in a safe environment. Training will be focused on effective de- escalation while responding to individuals in crisis, including people with physical, intellectual, and cognitive disabilities, and individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. VR training will be designed to ensure the safety of parole staff, the individuals they come in contact with, and the community at large.