Paul Robertson tests the simulator with a volunteer Paul Robertson has to be one of the luckiest PhD students. Not only is he following his academic dreams but he is doing so by using a hi-tech environment to help police officers improve their decision making. In effect, he is making a shoot 'em up game for grown ups.
The seriousness of this research in the White Space HIVE cannot be overlooked. When faced with a potentially dangerous situation involving firearms, our police forces have to make split second decisions. If that decision is incorrect, the consequences can be fatal.
There is more to this research than deciding whether or not to shoot. Various tests are being carried out to uncover how those crucial decisions are made. Volunteers step into the shoes of those in the front line and their reactions recorded for future use.
Using a blend of pyschology and computer generated environments, Paul Robertson's PhD is as colourful as his hair and is likely to lead to ground breaking results. Anyone who ever thought playing games was a waste of time can certainly think again. If all goes well, Paul could be responsible for helping police make quick fire decisions with confidence and regain the trust of the ever sceptical public.
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