NYPD uses virtual reality to teach kids about safe choices

The NYPD is rolling out a virtual reality program that teaches young people how to face the challenges that they may deal with in real life as they reach adulthood.

News 12 Staff

Jan 23, 2019, 12:49 AM

Updated 1,920 days ago

Share:

The NYPD is rolling out a virtual reality program that teaches young people how to face the challenges that they may deal with in real life as they reach adulthood.
The program is part of the Options Program, and offers situations for program users to consider and respond to, like being asked to commit a crime, join a gang, or being stopped by police.
"We all know that young people in this city are all into technology,” says Police Chief of Patrol Rodney Harrison. “This is one of the ways we can connect with them to kind of get an understanding of some of the issues that they're going through.”
The NYPD goes to community centers and schools to target the kids that need it most.
The program was created with input from Brooklyn youth.
Three different outcomes are possible for each scenario, News 12 is told. With dialogue, and depending on their movement and the way they answer the prompts, an outcome would result for review and discussion.

The program has enlisted a $500,000 investment from the New York City Police Foundation and aims to reach all precincts by the end of 2020.
 


More from News 12
1:02
MTA pushes back start date of congestion pricing two weeks to June 30

MTA pushes back start date of congestion pricing two weeks to June 30

1:23
Beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey; scattered showers expected this weekend

Beautiful, sunny afternoon for New Jersey; scattered showers expected this weekend

Tractor-trailer crashes into Cedar Grove pharmacy

Tractor-trailer crashes into Cedar Grove pharmacy

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

0:31
Police: Former Giants lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in Clifton home

Police: Former Giants lineman Korey Cunningham, 28, found dead in Clifton home

1:21
SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

SUV crashes through Dunkin' in Old Bridge

0:23
North Wildwood approved for emergency beach replenishment

North Wildwood approved for emergency beach replenishment

0:52
Clothesline Project raises awareness of sexual assault survivors

Clothesline Project raises awareness of sexual assault survivors

0:42
Police: 3 women accused of stealing nearly $600 worth of merchandise from Target

Police: 3 women accused of stealing nearly $600 worth of merchandise from Target

2:17
South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

South Brunswick implements plan to prevent fatal crashes

2:28
Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

Main Street New Jersey: Showcasing the best of North Brunswick

0:28
Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

Former Carteret middle school teacher accused of sexually assaulting student

0:42
Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

Former NJ national guardsman who set off large FBI manhunt pleads guilty to capitol riot charges

0:33
Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

Somerville man indicted in murder of high school classmate

0:27
Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

Police: Bronx man beaten, stabbed at Showboat Resort Atlantic City; 1 arrested

2:09
Paws & Pals: Bogey now up for adoption with JerseyGirls Animal Rescue

Paws & Pals: Bogey now up for adoption with JerseyGirls Animal Rescue

1:37
Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

Guide: How to dispose of prescription medicines in Connecticut, New Jersey and New York

0:23
New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

New York Giants add explosive receiving threat, taking Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 6 in NFL draft

0:17
Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

Jets trade down a spot, take Penn State offensive tackle Olu Fashanu at No. 11 in NFL draft

2:34
KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?

KIYC: NJ mayors call for tougher penalties for young criminals, but are juvenile crime stats increasing?