Using Computerized Brain Training in Policing

ANAHEIM, Calif., March 19, 2018 -- Jeff Zimman, co-founder of Posit Science, the leading provider of clinically-proven computerized brain exercises, will address law enforcement leaders at TriCON — the annual TriTech Software Conference for leaders in the public safety sector, this week in Anaheim, California. He will speak on Tuesday morning about the emerging use of neuroplasticity-based, computerized brain training in the workplace, and particularly in policing.

BrainHQ, the online platform for brain exercises and assessments from Posit Science, is best known for its use by consumers in improving and maintaining brain performance. BrainHQ uniquely focuses on improving brain speed and accuracy in sensory processing — as foundational to improving higher brain functions, such as memory and decision-making.

A faster and more accurate brain is especially important in work that involves high-stakes, split-second decisions, such as policing.

“Our training of speed of processing and attention — as well as higher cognitive functions, such as memory and decision-making — seems to have obvious implications for much of routine police work,” Zimman observed, “And, our training of inhibitory control and social cognition can play an important role in assessing threat versus non-threat situations.”

The presentation will include a discussion of how neuroplasticity-based brain training drives improvements in brain structure and function, as well as a review of results from recent field trials among different groups of first responders, including experienced police officers, police cadets, SWAT teams, sheriff’s personnel, and firefighters.

There are now more than 140 peer-reviewed journal articles on the benefits of BrainHQ across varied populations. Those benefits include better performance at standard measures of cognition (e.g., speed, attention, memory), at standard measures of quality of life (e.g., mood, confidence, health-related quality of life), and at real-world activities (e.g., balance, driving, everyday cognition). Recent studies also have shown a positive impact on brain chemistry and structure.

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