Enhancing Security Training with Cutting-Edge Virtual Reality (VR) Technology at Wilson Security

At Wilson Security, we are acutely aware of the rising challenges our Security Officers face in today's world.

Community leaders, government bodies, businesses, and organisations across Australia have all acknowledged an alarming increase in violence and aggression within our communities, including a growing prevalence of edged weapons.

Our own incident data reflects this trend, revealing that our workforce is regularly confronted with similar risks. This makes Occupational Violence and Aggression (OVA) a critical issue that demands a proactive, targeted approach.

That’s why we are proud to lead Australia’s response to OVA through the nationwide rollout of our innovative Virtual Reality (VR) training program, designed to enhance our Security Officers’ preparedness, safety, and wellbeing.

Bringing Training to Life with VR Technology

Our VR training is groundbreaking and enhances our comprehensive Security Officer training program. It provides an interactive, immersive experience that reinforces both in-person and online training.

Unlike traditional training methods, VR immerses our officers in realistic scenarios, giving them a stronger sense of what it feels like to be in high-stress situations that are difficult to replicate through online or paper-based tests. This approach is particularly crucial given the increasing challenges of OVA.

The VR training is designed to enhance our officers' ability to manage these situations while prioritising their safety, accurately assessing threats, and employing effective de-escalation techniques.

Introducing Our 6 OVA Virtual Reality Training Modules

The VR training includes six specialised modules that cover the most common types of dangerous real-world scenarios that our officers face real-world scenarios:

Alleyway Awareness: Threat Detection and Response in Tight Spaces:

Officers learn how to approach a potentially dangerous situation safely using a risk-based system. They navigate an alleyway scenario in which they must assess threats and respond accordingly.

Defusing Tension: Managing Aggression in Waiting Areas:

This module focuses on managing verbal aggression using advanced communication and de-escalation techniques in a confined space, simulating a waiting room environment.

Onboard Safety: Managing Aggressive Behaviour on Public Transport:

Officers are trained to handle aggressive behaviour in tight quarters, ensuring public safety and keeping calm under pressure.

Retail Security: Preventing Theft with Professional Presence:

This scenario helps officers deter theft through professional conduct, situational awareness, and observation skills in a retail environment.

Professional Responses to Mental Health Challenges in Reception Settings:

Officers are exposed to behaviours linked to mental health issues, learning how to handle these situations with empathy and situational awareness.

Managing Large Groups Safely: Situational Awareness in Car Parks:

Officers practice managing large groups safely, using strategic engagement techniques in a car park setting to ensure the safety of all involved.

Prioritising Officer Wellbeing and Preparedness

Our VR program is about more than just teaching technical skills—it's about preparing our officers with tactics and strategies for handling high-stress situations with confidence and competence.

By immersing them in realistic OVA scenarios, we empower them to think critically, make informed real-time decisions, and respond effectively in real-world situations.

This training prioritises their personal safety, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary tools and strategies to protect themselves and others.

Competency Through Immersive Experience

The VR training modules form part of a broader training process that includes both theoretical knowledge and practical skills development. 

For instance, in the "Alleyway" training module, officers are guided through a series of scenarios to build their competency. They practice making critical decisions, such as conducting real time risk assessments about the environment around them & the Person of Interest lying unconscious on the floor or how to manage a situation if a person of interest becomes threatening.

Officers are debriefed on their performance, encouraged to explore different decision-making paths, and asked reflective questions to reinforce their learning. This approach ensures that they not only know what to do but also understand the reasoning behind their actions.

Investing in Our Future

At Wilson Security, we are committed to investing in our people and their ongoing development, making us an employer of choice.

By equipping our Security Officers with cutting-edge VR technology, we offer industry-leading training techniques that enhance their career development, foster retention, and attract new talent.

This innovative approach reinforces our commitment to safeguarding the wellbeing of our team members, our clients, and the public.

Creating Value for Our Customers and Communities

The benefits of our VR training program extend far beyond our team members.

Ensuring that our Security Officers are highly trained and prepared to handle any situation enhances the overall safety and security of the environments we protect.

For our customers, this means greater peace of mind, knowing that their sites are safeguarded by professionals equipped with the most advanced training techniques.

For the public and the communities in which we operate, this approach translates to safer public spaces and a more proactive security presence. 

Our officers are better prepared to de-escalate potential conflicts, respond effectively to emergencies, and engage positively with the community, reinforcing trust and safety for everyone.

Looking Ahead

Safety is more than a priority for us—it’s a commitment deeply embedded in everything we do and reflects our core values, particularly Care.

We take pride in operating within diverse communities and sectors, delivering essential security services while recognising and addressing the challenges OVA poses in our workplace.

With our new VR training program, we are setting a new standard for security training in Australia.

Protecting our frontline officers means investing in their development and equipping them with the best possible tools to do their jobs safely and effectively.

This commitment ultimately benefits our customers, the public, and the communities we serve, ensuring a safer, more secure environment for all.