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Abstract

Virtual Reality (VR) advances traditional research methodologies, such as vignettes and ethnographies, enabling the creation of controlled, immersive environments to study crime-related behaviors, emotions, and cognitions. This article introduces the Virtual Burglary Project – Pennsylvania (VBPP), two open access virtual neighborhoods that can be used to examine a variety of research questions, including questions relating to perceptual deterrence, routine activities, environmental factors, law enforcement and community relations, and Fear of Crime. We describe the VBPP in non-technical terms and provide examples of such possibilities, including studying the impact of race on criminal decision-making, community engagement in relation to perceived disorder, and evaluating implicit bias training for law enforcement. We explain how the VBPP offers researchers the ability to manipulate environmental variables and gather multi-modal data through integrated features like eye-tracking, spatial movement, and a built in-VR survey tool. The VBPP can be utilized ‘as-is’ and without further modification to replicate or extend existing research. The VBPP may also be modified through survey adjustments or environmental alterations to explore novel questions.