# Virtual Reality De-escalation Training (16.054)

Source: https://welltoldgrants.com/programs/16-054-virtual-reality-de-escalation-training/  
Publisher: Well Told Grants. Data: USAspending.gov and Grants.gov, updated November 7, 2026.

Virtual Reality De-escalation Training is run by Department of Justice. From fiscal 2021 to 2025 it awarded $4.5 million in 2 grants, about $2.2 million per award.

## Objectives

Program goal(s) name: Improve law enforcement responses to and outcomes for individuals with disabilities.
Program goal(s) description: Improve effectiveness of de-escalation and crisis response skills among law enforcement and correctional officers, particularly for interactions with individuals in crisis who have behavioral health conditions, I/DDs or physical disabilities, and/or traumatic brain injuries; and improve agency-level capacity to connect individuals in crisis who have behavioral health conditions, I/DDs or physical disabilities, and/or traumatic brain injuries with appropriate services.
Program objective(s) name: Provide supports for Law Enforcement
Program objective(s) description: Implement and enhance certified training programs and practices that increase knowledge of appropriate intervention strategies and improve skills during crisis situations; Enhance the strategic application of de-escalation techniques to prevent escalation of crisis situations, which include innovative training approaches and technologies, including virtual reality scenario-based training resources such as the Crisis Response Intervention Training (CRIT) curriculum; Strengthen agency protocols for identifying and responding to individuals requiring specialized services and develop partnerships with community behavioral health providers, traumatic brain injury specialists, and other resources to facilitate improved referral processes between justice and behavioral health systems; and Implement strategies to enhance information sharing and coordination of responses to individuals in crisis, utilizing appropriate technologies and training resources.

## Funding by fiscal year

| Year | Amount | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $0 | 0 |
| 2022 | $0 | 0 |
| 2023 | $0 | 0 |
| 2024 | $4.5 million | 2 |
| 2025 | $0 | 0 |

## Largest recipients

| Recipient | State | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Florida State University | Florida | $4.0 million |
| Research Triangle Institute | North Carolina | $499,996 |