New VR Training System Enhances Police Skills in Hesse

The Hesse Police Headquarters for Technology (Hessische Polizeipräsidium für Technik – HPT) has selected HOLOGATE, a leading provider of extended reality (XR) solutions, to deliver a modern virtual reality (VR) training system for law enforcement. The initiative aims to integrate police training content into virtual reality, enhancing current training with realistic virtual scenarios to optimize key skill development for officers.

Currently, police training in Hesse is conducted at operational training centers of the Hesse Police and the Hessian University of Applied Sciences for Public Management and Security. As part of the tender, HOLOGATE’s HGXR division will create a highly adaptable virtual training environment. The XR system allows for dynamic scalability, enabling training sessions to be customized to various space requirements.

Prof. Dr. Roman Poseck, Hessian Minister of the Interior, Safety and Homeland Security, and Prof. Dr. Kristina Sinemus, Hessian Minister for Digital Strategy and Innovation, officially opened the new facility, praising it as a milestone in modern training.

HGXR's multi-user XR solutions combine hardware with HOLOFORCE Blue software, specifically designed to meet the unique demands of police training. It features a diverse array of virtual environments—ranging from urban landscapes to critical infrastructure and various types of buildings—ensures dynamic, immersive training experiences. Users can interact with each other, the environment, and NPCs (non-player characters) during training.

With the scenario editor, training situations can be customized to meet specific training requirements. Using simple drag-and-drop functionality, NPCs and objects like walls and doors can be easily positioned, while weather conditions and time of day can be adjusted for added realism. NPCs can be configured as friendly, hostile, or neutral, with their behavior either predefined or controlled live during the session.

Prof. Dr. Roman Poseck said: “The new training units will improve individual skills and confidence in action. This milestone in modern training also contributes to increased safety for citizens.”

The XR system integrates the command and operational equipment (Führungs- und Einsatzmittel – FEM) used by the Hesse police, whether utilizing real weapons or highly accurate replicas. The appearance, handling, and functionality of the FEM are integrated into the training environment, allowing officers to train with familiar equipment in near-realistic conditions.

An integrated feedback system enhances immersion by delivering haptic feedback via electrical impulses when an officer is "hit". Visual indicators within the scenario also show the precise location and status of the hit.

The After Action Review (AAR) offers a quick, semi-automated debrief of training scenarios. Every participant's actions are meticulously recorded and documented anonymously in a visual database. This allows for precise, targeted feedback, enabling corrections and tracking progress over time. The standardized exercise structure ensures consistent performance evaluation, fostering long-term skill development.

Beyond police training, the VR platform is set to play a role in evidence presentation, event reconstruction, and research. A proof of concept (POC) will validate the system's compatibility with future upgrades, ensuring its sustainable, long-term use.