Using AI to train police in de-escalation techniques to reduce violence against Black males.
Official title: Culturally Competent, Ethical, and Empathetic AI Police E-Trainer for Improving Non-Lethal De-Escalation Skills in a Multi-User Virtual Reality Environment to Mitigate Murders Against Black Males.
Funded at Juxtopia, LLC · NIH-10923401 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a virtual reality training program for police officers to help them learn how to handle tense situations with empathy and understanding, especially when interacting with Black individuals, to reduce the risk of violence and improve community relations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Juxtopia, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R43MD019583-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10923401 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include police officers and law enforcement agencies looking to enhance their training protocols and reduce incidents of violence.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not involved in law enforcement or those outside the targeted demographic of Black males may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop an AI-driven virtual reality training program for police officers, focusing on culturally competent and empathetic approaches to de-escalation. By simulating real-life scenarios, the program will help officers improve their skills in handling potentially volatile situations, particularly those involving Black males. The training is designed to address systemic biases and reduce the risk of violence, ultimately aiming to mitigate the disproportionate impact of police violence on Black communities. Participants will engage in immersive training experiences that promote awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by these populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in police violence against Black males, improving community safety and trust in law enforcement.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that virtual reality training can effectively improve de-escalation skills in law enforcement, suggesting a promising avenue for this innovative approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Juxtopia, LLC
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Doswell, Jayfus Tucker — Juxtopia, LLC
- Study coordinator: Doswell, Jayfus Tucker
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.