URPD Receives Grant for VR Technology, De-escalation Training

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND — The University of Richmond Police Department has been awarded an approximately $85K grant from the U.S. Department of Justice.

The Law Enforcement Agency De-Escalation Grant, which is provided through the DOJ’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, will further URPD's mission to build and foster stronger relationships to ensure a safe campus environment.

“This funding will support expanding de-escalation training and furthering a culture of community and emphasis on duty to intervene at the University of Richmond,” said URPD Chief Dave McCoy, associate vice president for public safety. “

The funding will be used for the purchase of the Apex Officer Training Simulator, a virtual reality training technology, with numerous training scenarios to enhance URPD’s commitment to crisis intervention, de-escalation, and appropriate use of force.

“We are excited to also be able to support the University’s academic mission through this grant by making the technology and training experience available to faculty to incorporate into their coursework as it relates to justice and law,” McCoy said.   

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