VR and the Metropolitan Police Service A case study using virtual reality in recruitment

Presenters: • Chloe Manby, Recruitment Strategist at the Metropolitan Police • David Hickling, Project Manager at Penna • Tom Kelly, Principal Assessment Consultant at Penna

September 2019 | VR and the Metropolitan Police Service

Introduction

Over the next 30 minutes we will cover the 1. The Need for Change following: 2. The Journey

3. The Solution

4. The Interactive feature/VR

5. Questions VR and the Metropolitan Police Service What was the need?

• The Metropolitan Police, modern policing and the role of the PC

• What makes a good PC in London in 2019 and beyond

• Why the need for change in the assessment process VR and the Metropolitan Police Service The brief to Penna from MPS

• To modernise the process to mirror modern policing and technological advances. • On-going service ambitions of creating a more diverse workforce.

Key objectives: • To level the playing field for all – ensuring no candidates were disadvantaged irrespective of background or demographic. • To make the best use of technology - enhancing the experience and improving efficiency. • To provide candidates with as realistic insight as possible into life on the front line so they’d be well prepared. VR and the Metropolitan Police Service The approach

• Penna carried out extensive job analysis to understand the skills required to be a PC – highlighted the need for ‘realistic insight’

• We held focus groups and interviews with officers

• We engaged with the Metropolitan Police Service as well as South Wales Police, Surrey Police, Sussex Police, Thames Valley Police, West Midlands Police and West Yorkshire Police

VR and the Metropolitan Police Service The solution

• A brand new, technology driven assessment centre

• Candidates take on the role of a Police Constable and immerse themselves into a number of different exercises

• Each candidates experience lasts c4 hours across a number of different exercises

• Initially accommodating 48 candidates a day (since risen to 96) Virtual Reality (VR)

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment. Unlike traditional user interfaces, VR places the user inside an experience. Instead of viewing a screen in front of them, users are immersed and able to interact with 3D worlds. The role of VR

In Day One we wanted to test the candidate’s abilities to work collaboratively and make use of a bespoke VR world to bring the situation to life.

An incident is suspected of having taken place and it’s up to each pair to investigate using the different information sources made available to them. VR and the Metropolitan Police Service Safety Considerations VR and the Metropolitan Police Service Success stories

• A better informed candidate

• A more engaged candidate

• A better experience for our Assessors

• Interest from other Forces

• Improved pass rates A VR experience Thank you