Simulations for police learning: an opportunity for standardised simulation design

Simulation in police learning uses realistic scenarios and environments to develop the workforce in various technical skills, procedures, and decision making. In healthcare, national and international simulation standards ensure evidence-based practices are utilised to enhance patient care. Standardised simulation design is often a core component of these standards and provides a framework for designing and developing impactful and effective experiences for learners. Despite widespread use of simulation in policing education and training, there are no national standards or frameworks to support such practices. Despite a lack of simulation design standards in policing, the authors demonstrate that designing a Hydra simulation (a policing simulation methodology), can be aligned with standards created for healthcare professions. This evidences how established standards can assist policing and its partners in advancing future standardised simulation practices and how this can be adopted to assist the professional development of the current and future policing workforce.