VR-based Training for the Services – The VR4React Project comes to Poland

The process of rehabilitation does not always bring new technologies to mind, yet in practice these two fields can intertwine very effectively. Virtual Reality (VR) is an excellent example. Research confirms that VR can significantly support the reintegration of inmates into society. Let us see how it works!

The Prison Service and the probation service are constantly looking for new ways to refine the rehabilitation process, so that the period of serving a sentence can most effectively lead to a positive change in the lives of offenders. To this end, they cooperate not only with psychologists and legal experts but also with providers of new technologies. This involves not just surveillance systems, but also tools that help individuals cope with difficult emotions and manage their reactions.

One of the biggest challenges among inmates is aggression. The EU co-funded VR4React project is developing strategies to reduce this problem. Its premise involves using virtual reality to confront inmates with situations that trigger aggression, while simultaneously helping them learn to control their emotions and behaviour. The Polish Platform for Homeland Security (PPHS), which is a partner in this project, supports the implementation of this innovative method in Poland.

In this article, we will explore the assumptions behind VR4React and the planned activities in Poland, focusing primarily on the use of this technology in the penitentiary system. It is worth noting, however, that the project is designed not only for inmates but also for individuals on probation and prison officers, who may also experience the challenges of managing reactive aggression from inmates. The text is based on the scientific project report: Theoretical Framework on Risk & Reactive Aggression & the Relation with Pro-social Skills.

Reactive Aggression in Prisons

Aggression can take different forms. We can distinguish between proactive aggression—planned and aimed at achieving a specific goal—and reactive aggression, triggered by a sense of threat. In the first case, the act is carried out with premeditation, often viewed as an effective way to pursue certain objectives. Its roots may lie in aggressive patterns developed in childhood, a lack of fear of consequences, or emotional instability.

Reactive aggression, on the other hand, is not directed towards any specific objective. It primarily stems from low tolerance to frustration and a tendency towards impulsive, poorly thought-out actions. An individual displaying this type of aggression, when faced with a negatively charged situation, may perceive other people’s behaviour as a direct threat. Consequently, they react violently, treating their own aggression as a defensive mechanism.

Reducing stressful conditions in prison is by no means easy, as confining many individuals with similar issues in a small space can further intensify undesirable behaviour. Hence, supporting inmates in dealing with frustration, anger, and a sense of powerlessness becomes all the more important. This is precisely the focus of the VR4React project, whose authors believe that appropriate psychological support in the area of self-control can bring about clear, positive results.

Why Virtual Reality (VR)?

At first glance, using virtual reality to foster healthy reactions to challenging situations may appear surprising. However, the VR4React experts chose this technology partly because of the limitations of traditional therapy (both individual and group), which by its nature tends to be more passive and cannot always respond dynamically to the current needs of participants.

Unlike conventional forms of therapy, VR allows the creation of realistic scenarios that evoke reactive aggression—in controlled, safe conditions. Although the virtual world is not yet a perfect simulation of reality, it already provides a sufficient level of immersion to elicit genuine emotions. With the support of specialised personnel, participants can thus “practise” confronting difficult situations, as if in a laboratory setting.

An additional advantage of VR is its strong appeal to inmates. New technologies spark curiosity, increasing participants’ engagement and enhancing the effectiveness of training sessions. As noted by Lieutenant Colonel Cezary Mecwaldowski, Commandant of the Central Training Centre of the Polish Prison Service in Kule and a participant in the project:

Preventing aggression is not only about recognising emotions and learning how to manage them but also about improving verbal and non-verbal communication skills. New technologies, especially virtual reality, generate great interest, which strengthens the impact and supports trainers during the training process. For inmates, it is a significant novelty, a change from the daily routine in prison, and even a kind of reward for those qualified to participate.

This method makes it possible to thoroughly analyse factors that trigger violent reactions and to devise effective self-regulation strategies. In the longer term, it not only improves the quality of life for inmates but also increases the chances of successful rehabilitation.

The Process in Practice

The success of the entire initiative depends above all on the proper training of the instructors who will work with the inmates. Their role extends beyond operating VR equipment and also encompasses conducting the sessions, monitoring participants’ emotional states, and providing them with appropriate support.

Equally important is the careful selection of programme participants. Consideration is given to factors indicating the need to participate (e.g. previous behaviour related to reactive aggression) as well as the capacity for change (such as readiness to work on oneself or the ability to quickly adapt to new technologies). Individuals with certain health conditions, such as epilepsy or heart disease, are excluded from the programme. Since VR4React is still developing as a method for modifying behaviour, participants are drawn from various age and gender groups and cultural backgrounds, allowing the effectiveness of the solution to be assessed across a broad spectrum of cases.

Throughout the sessions, instructors and prison educators closely observe inmates’ reactions. Their main task is to identify the factors that trigger violent behaviour and help manage them. VR scenarios provide a foundation for reflecting on one’s own responses; participants learn to recognise and express emotions while developing constructive methods to handle difficult situations.

An example scenario might focus on learning to recognise one’s emotions and manage them. It then moves on to problem-solving in conflicts, assertive communication, or stress management through mindfulness exercises. As a result, inmates gain greater self-confidence and develop the ability to respond constructively to criticism or tension in interpersonal relations.

As Justyna Karolak, a court probation officer from the District Court in Elbląg and a participant in the project, points out:

Such cooperation yields numerous benefits both for offenders and for society. Offenders have the opportunity to think through and understand the mechanisms of reactive aggression in a safe, supportive environment. By doing so, they acquire new skills, such as constructive conflict resolution, which increases their readiness for life in freedom.

Virtual Reality in Polish Prisons

From the very beginning, the VR4React project aimed to implement the programme in Poland as well. Within the national rehabilitation system, the role of coordinator is performed by Lieutenant Colonel Cezary Mecwaldowski, the Commandant of the Central Training Centre of the Polish Prison Service in Kule. Together with Justyna Karolak, he was trained during meetings in Ankara (Turkey) and Skopje (North Macedonia) to pass on this knowledge to further specialists.

In the coming months, cascade ‘Train-the-Trainer’ courses will be held, aimed at providing essential knowledge to ten representatives of the Prison Service and ten probation officers. Thanks to this, they will be able to train additional practitioners, rapidly increasing the number of people qualified to work with inmates, probationers, and also prison security staff.

Meanwhile, prison an probation officers, psychologists, and educators are participating in additional e-learning sessions on reactive aggression, which will help them better understand the issue and tailor their efforts to the needs of those in their care.

Due to VR4React’s innovative nature, the Polish branch of the project’s work has received the patronage of the Ministry of Justice. This significant distinction fits perfectly with Poland’s presidency in the Council of the European Union, which is focused on security. A concluding conference of the project scheduled for mid-year in Poznań will crown the achievements so far. More details will be shared shortly. In the meantime, anyone interested in VR4React can find more information on the project website: link.

20 Years of PPHS – A Long-Standing Collaboration

The accomplishments of VR4React continue the long-term cooperation between the Polish Platform for Homeland Security (PPHS) and both the Prison Service and the probation service. Exactly two decades ago, PPHS was established to accelerate the adoption of modern solutions by uniformed services. We accomplish this by connecting Polish practitioners with representatives of services from other countries as part of European projects. In past years, these included R4Just and MIRAD, and now VR4React. Each of these initiatives broadens the skill set of personnel through training, the exchange of best practices, and network-building.

Collaboration with Polish services has also shown how valuable it is to bring prison officers and probation officers closer together. In practice, this has led to stronger relationships between these groups and more effective achievement of project objectives. As an organisation, we are proud to play such an important role in raising the qualifications of the uniformed services.

To mark the twentieth anniversary of PPHS’s founding, we plan to publish further articles describing various aspects of our work. If you would like to learn more about our activities in other areas, we invite you to follow us on LinkedIn and subscribe to our newsletter.