Virtual Reality and the Criminal Justice System : Exploring the Possibilities for Correctional Rehabilitation

This book explores how virtual reality can be used to improve traditional cognitive behavior therapy, a widely used therapeutic technique used to treat offenders, by offering a controlled environment where offenders can learn new skills, role play, and practice scenarios that they may find when back in the community.

Virtual Reality (VR) is becoming a popular technology for gaming and entertainment; however, researchers and scientists have used the technology for decades to develop real world solutions. The criminal justice system has used VR primarily for weapons training and forensic investigation but its uses are expanding. This book discusses how the technology can be used for correctional rehabilitation. Specifically, the book explores how cognitive behavior therapy, a widely used therapeutic technique used to treat offenders, can be improved using VR. Offenders can learn new skills, role play, and practice what they’ve learned in a safe, controlled environment that mimics situations they may find when back in the community. Additionally, those without access to services can use the technology to attend virtual groups offered by trained facilitators no matter where they live. With current limitations on resources, VR can offer criminal justice practitioners another option for offender rehabilitation.