Exploring VR and Deepfake Technology in Police Training. A Study on the Impact of Racist Stereotypes on Dutch Police Officers’ Behaviour in Stop-and-Search Scenarios

• In Event: POL Panel 24. Police training: Gendered practices, new technology, competency development and use of force

Abstract

This paper investigates the role that virtual reality (VR) technology and deepfake innovations can play in police training programs. In particular, it explores the potential of these technologies to recreate highly realistic scenarios that enable the research and training on sensitive themes and topics in policing. The paper is based on a study that investigated the behaviour of Dutch police officers in simulated stop-and-search scenarios. By employing a 2x2 experimental design, officers were exposed to racist stereotypes and ethnic minority deepfake manipulations within the VR environment.
Notably, while participants' stop-and-search behaviour was not significantly impacted by the activation of the racist cop stereotype, they tended to avoid selecting ethnic minorities for stop-and-search in the deepfake condition. These results hints at potential avoidance behaviour after all, due to concerns to confirm to the racist stereotype, emphasising the relevance of concepts such as the Ferguson-effect and de-policing.
Regarding the potential of VR technology, reflections on user experience within the VR environment revealed a complex blend of immersion and detachment. Our findings illuminate the remarkable acceptance of VR technologies as research and training instruments within the policing context and confirm the deepfake's imperceptibility during VR scenarios. Intriguingly, we unearth a novel form of mediation, one that simultaneously bridges individuals, technology, reality, and simulation. Wherein, participants reported a dual experience, oscillating between immersion in the simulation and moments of grounding while engaging with the technology. This disconnect poses challenges when applying VR research and training in real-world contexts, underscoring the imperative to maintain a robust virtual-to-real-world connection in VR and similar technologies. Concluding, we highlight the transformative potential of VR and deepfake technology in policing research and training but call for more research of the interplay between technology and human perception.

Authors

• Meret Paululat, University of Twente

• Vlad Niculescu-Dinca, Leiden University

• Bas Boing, University of Twente

• Peter de Vries, University of Twente. Behavioural, Management, and Social Sciences