Malmö University Receives Funding Boost for Police Driving Simulators

Malmö University has received a significant donation of 4.8 million SEK (approximately 416,000 euros) aimed at fostering a research environment that specializes in enhancing the training and skills of police emergency drivers. This initiative is vital, considering traffic accidents are the leading cause of on-duty police officer deaths. In 2020 alone, damages to police vehicles amounted to a staggering 100 million SEK.

Traditional police driver training, which utilizes real police cars, faces challenges. Training in perilous conditions demands considerable resources, and only a limited number of officers gain hands-on experience in hazardous scenarios. Malmö University's innovative approach incorporates simulators, making it a pioneer in the Nordic region for such a teaching method. The results? Equally effective training whether conducted via simulators or real cars.

Martin Larsson, a police officer and instructor, emphasizes the numerous advantages of integrating simulator-based teaching, from pedagogical benefits to conserving financial and human resources. Furthermore, associate professor Caroline Mellgren highlights the potential of high-fidelity simulators, akin to those used by race car drivers, in enhancing police training.

This move not only benefits the police force. Other emergency services, like Stockholm's ambulance service, have begun recognizing the merits of simulator-based training. As Malmö University furthers its collaboration with the Swedish Police Authority, it stands poised to elevate police training standards, prioritizing safety and expertise.