Case Study: Phoenix Police Department improves officer preparedness with Axon VR Training

How virtual reality is transforming the way Phoenix PD trains

Phoenix Police Department (Phoenix PD) needed a more flexible, affordable, and comprehensive way to train officers beyond traditional in-person instruction. The department wanted training that could better prepare officers for the wide range of real-world situations they face, especially de-escalation, community trust, and other high-stakes scenarios. Phoenix PD chose Axon’s VR training platform to help address these challenges.

Axon implemented its VR Training solution, including the Community Engagement Training program, which immersed officers in branching scenarios covering topics like mental health crises, domestic violence, suicide, autism, schizophrenia, and peer intervention. The results were strong: 81% of participants said at least one scenario prepared them to adapt their approach to a call, 60% said it helped them see things from another perspective, and 51% reported applying a tactic from the training on the job. Phoenix PD said Axon’s technology and law-enforcement expertise made the solution effective, and the department plans to expand the training further.

Phoenix Police Department

Aimee Smith

Commander