Virtual Reality
Technology is increasingly being used in the criminal justice system to address a variety of challenges in areas such as supervision, assessment, and, more recently, correctional rehabilitation. One of the latest technologies to be considered is virtual reality (VR). Recent advances in VR and the expanded availability of the hardware and software required to support it have prompted criminal justice practitioners to explore the advantages and disadvantages of using this technology as a way to enhance current rehabilitative efforts. As accessibility continues to improve and the cost decreases, VR is a feasible tool that can be used to expand the availability of high-quality treatment for a larger offender population.
What is Virtual Reality?
VR refers to any computer-generated environment that uses two- or three-dimensional (2D or 3D) visualization software and special transmission devices to provide user input within in the virtual world. The virtual environment can be viewed using a cell phone screen, monitor, projector, or head-mounted display (HMD). Users maneuver the virtual world using a touch screen, keyboard, or hand controller. The human visual and auditory systems respond to computer-generated stimuli while in the simulation in an effort to achieve full immersion and presence. Immersion refers to the awareness the user has of the real world during the simulation. Presence represents “the psychological state in which a participant accepts, interacts and is physically, socially, and emotionally engaged in the virtual world” (Ticknor & Tillinghast, 2011).
Today, there are three main types of VR experiences. These are primarily defined by the level of immersion they offer. Those in a non-immersive VR environment have limited ability to interact with the environment. These systems are accessed via standard computer monitors, tablets, or cell phone screens. No other special devices are required in a non-immersive system. Video games and other desktop simulations represent a non-immersive environment. Many of these systems were used in the early adaptation of VR in treatment. Semi-immersive systems use high-resolution monitors, projectors, or HMDs and offer the user more interaction during the simulation. Fully immersive environments limit the exposure of the real world for the user. The main difference between the two is the number of sensory systems (i.e., vision, hearing, smell, and touch) engaged during the simulation. Fully immersive systems engage all of the sensory systems, while semi-immersive systems engage more than one but not all. Most of the solutions currently developed for correctional rehabilitation are semi-immersive and use a HMD.
The wide availability and cost of these products have greatly contributed to the expansion of the technology and have resulted in renewed development efforts covering more than just gaming. New industries are being formed to expand the uses of VR. Although VR is still strongly associated with entertainment, scientists, researchers, and practitioners are finding new ways to incorporate this technology into learning and treatment. The lack of resources and ever-shrinking budgets make it difficult for many criminal justice agencies to provide access to effective treatment for their clients. VR has the potential to address many of these issues and to revolutionize correctional rehabilitation as we know it. It is an innovative technology that can be used to increase offerings and dosage. VR is useful tool to assist practitioners in treating and reintegrating many offenders back into society.
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Dr. Ticknor has been on the forefront of using Virtual Reality for correctional rehabilitation. Her groundbreaking curriculum combines the power of VR with traditional components of cognitive behavior and exposure therapy.