Orihuela Police Enter the world of Virtual Reality Combat Training with €18,000 Tactical Simulator

Orihuela police officers are embracing virtual reality technology in a €18,000 training program focused on preparing them for armed encounters, high-risk interventions, and critical decisions under extreme pressure. The city council has invested €18,029 in an advanced virtual reality system, Octopus Tactical Software, which simulates realistic operational scenarios without the risks of live ammunition.

The interactive virtual environments and artificial intelligence enable officers to practice tactical responses in a safe and controlled setting. The initiative, launched by the Department of Citizen Security under Councillor Mónica Pastor, aims to enhance officers' ability to respond effectively to dangerous or rapidly escalating incidents.

Unlike traditional exercises, the system generates random situations using AI, preventing officers from memorizing sequences or predicting confrontation outcomes. Performance analysis helps identify weaknesses and improve decision-making. While effective policing involves more than technical skills, virtual reality training helps officers maintain control and make sound decisions during high-pressure situations.

The simulator complements, not replaces, annual firearms training and aims to provide additional opportunities for rehearsing dangerous situations, evaluating responses, and developing confidence. The €18,029 investment represents a technological upgrade in the force's training capabilities, integrating artificial intelligence and immersive simulation into public safety preparation across the municipality.