Journal of Medical Toxicology and Clinical Forensic Medicine

â??Virtual Reality or Virtually Rubbishâ? â?? the use of Virtual Reality in Forensic Science and Policing for Teaching and Training

Virtual Reality (VR) - a term “used to describe a three-dimensional, computer generated environment which explores and interacts with by a person or group.” That person(s) is immersed within the environment and whilst there, manipulates objects or perform a series of activities, actions, or tasks. VR is potentially an ideal tool for teaching basic and complex concepts and skills in forensic and policing science. The UK forensic community is currently undergoing [ISO 17020] accreditation, to achieve better consistency, where there are reported inconsistencies throughout the training of crime scene investigators nationally; the policing environment is in a similar situation. Virtual Reality, appropriately developed in these disciplines, may assist in addressing these issues. Using Oculus 2 technology with mixed method and grounded theory the product is being compared to traditional methods. This research project will assist the forensic community and indeed wider stakeholders within the Criminal Justice System to understand what, where and how Virtual Reality can aid or indeed hinder training specifically for crime scene investigators and policing stakeholders. There is a paucity of research within this area Mayne and Green (2020) and currently, some UK Police Services are using Virtual Reality to deliver training without the underpinning research to advise them to elicit the maximum potential from existing VR technology and staff members, as well as supporting the police in buying this product.

Author(s):

Lorna Markillie

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