FOI/2249 Virtual Reality

Provision of information held by Northumbria Police made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the 'Act')

Thank you for your email received on the 13 January 2026 in which you made a request for access to certain information which may be held by Northumbria Police.

As you may be aware the purpose of the Act is to allow a general right of access to information held at the time of a request, by a Public Authority (including the Police), subject to certain limitations and exemptions.

We have now had the opportunity to fully consider your request, and we provide a response for your attention.

Following receipt of your request, searches were conducted with the Communications, Digital Policing, Finance and People Services Departments of Northumbria Police.  We can confirm that the information you have requested is held in part by Northumbria Police.

We are able to disclose the located information to you as follows.

You asked:

I have seen press reports that Police are using Virtual Reality in such areas as VAWG and Knife Crime.

1. Has Northumbria Police purchased VR equipment in the last three financial years* or is it leased?
*Last three financial years being 2023/24, 2024/25 and 2025/26 to date

No information held – we have not purchased or leased any VR equipment in the specified time period.

2. How much has the Force spent on Virtual Reality in the last three financial years*? Capital expenditure and Revenue expenditure.

Not applicable – please see our response to your query at point 1.

3. Does the Force plan to extend the use of Virtual Reality in other areas of Police Business? For example; Training and Engagement.

Whilst we do not currently use VR in our internal training, we are currently exploring the possibility of utilising VR in the future to support the delivery of immersive training.