We connected with four of the top industry experts in the area of police simulators, and got their thoughts on the challenges, solutions, and future prospects for this continually-developing technology.
Part 01
Even as police agencies continue to work with diminishing training budgets, many are choosing to make fairly hefty investments in computer-driven simulators for use-of-force and emergency driving training.
While this this has led to grumbling among a certain few, it’s possible that critics of this strategy may not be fully aware of the potential long-term benefits agencies might enjoy. When simulators are properly integrated into a complete curriculum of use-of-force/live-fire and behind-the-wheel EVOC training, they do benefit officers in their jobs.
We connected with four of the top industry experts in the area of police simulators, and got their thoughts on the challenges, solutions, and future prospects for this continually-developing technology. Here, in part one of this two-part series (part two will post in this space one week from today, on May 23) we begin the discussion with some of the training issues this amazing technology can solve for law enforcement.
Transcript from news segment:
As families gather for a joyful graduation at Hofstra University, in their minds, the story of a young woman killed in a hostage stand-off. N shot not by an intruder, but by police.
Here’s ABC’s Gio Benitez.
Reporter: It was the moment of crisis that played out inside this house. He’s got the gun pointed at head.
Reporter: Inside, police say 21-year-old Hofstra junior Andréa Robello was being held hostage by an ex-con — Dalton Smith, who had released another hostage who called 911. Negotiators were dispatched, but a police officer got her first and made a critical decision, he went inside the house. Sources say that was officer Nikolas Budimlic, a decorated 12-year veteran of the force. He’s with the originals and the gunman. Shots fired! Police say officer Budimlic soon found himself face to face with Smith, who was holding Robello in a head lock, using her as a human shield.
According to police, smith aimed his gun at the officer. The officer then raised his own weapon — and fired. Seven bullets hit and killed smith, but one hit Robello in the head — killing her too.
Today, questions. Should the officer have taken that shot? Police officers go through extensive training, but many departments use simulated videos like this.
Officer Gene O’Donnell tells us, — that it was a split-second decision. Ultimately the way it played out, it was probably one nano second which the officer had to make the decision.
Reporter: The other big question, why did the officer go into the house?
In a hostage situation, general protocol is to wait for negotiators. If you have credible information, you wait outside and you get specialized units, negotiators, and really you buy time. That’s what you do, ideally, if you can.
Tempe, Arizona (May 15, 2013) — VirTra Systems (OTC Pink: VTSI), a leading provider of firearms training simulation systems to military, law enforcement agencies and other organizations, today reported unaudited financial results for its first quarter of 2013, ended March 31. The unaudited financial statements are available on VirTra’s website and here.
The Company posted first quarter revenue of $2.49 million along with a net income of $0.53 million. Last year’s first quarter revenue was $2.61 million and net income for that period totaled $0.25 million. Revenue is down slightly for the first quarter of this year by about 5 percent, due in part to timing of deliveries, while net income increased 115 percent.
VirTra’s cost of goods sold for the quarter was $0.75 million representing a 70 percent gross profit margin compared to 68 percent for the same quarter last year. VirTra’s profit margin does fluctuate from quarter-to-quarter and is influenced by a number of factors such as: revenue recognition, volume, vendor pricing, improved production methods and composition of customer orders. Read more…
VirTra and the Artemis Defense Institute are presenting a demonstration opportunity to showcase the V-300™ and the patent pending V-Range™ training simulators on June 5th and 6th from 9am to 4pm. The V-300™ is the highest standard for law enforcement training. Five screens and a 300-degree fully immersive training platform ensure each minute in the simulator translates into real-world skills. The V-Range™ MIL (Patent-Pending) is simply the very best virtual shooting range in the world. It is the most realistic and detailed simulation of a real indoor and/or outdoor shooting range.
Demo Location
Artemis Defense Insitute
11 Spectrum Pointe Drive
Lake Forest, CA 92630
Call Scott Holt at 480.968.1488 x 5064 to schedule your appointment today!
TEMPE, AZ, Apr 30, 2013 (Marketwired via COMTEX) — VirTra (pinksheets:VTSI), a leading provider of firearms training simulators to military, law enforcement agencies and other organizations, today announced the award of a contract valued at a minimum value of USD $2+ million for firearms simulators, simulated recoil weapons and accessories. The project is for an undisclosed and new international customer and destination for use by both police and military forces.
The project includes specially designed and highly advanced tetherless simulated recoil systems compatible with both VirTra’s V-100(TM) marksmanship simulator as well as VirTra’s V-180(TM) / V-300(TM) multi-screen ultra-realistic and effective training simulators. The systems will also include a next generation scenario debrief capability. A long list of other accessories and state-of-the-art capabilities are planned for the simulation training center.
The engineering, production and delivery are to occur in approximately 18 months or less.
Bob Ferris, Chief Executive Officer of VirTra, stated, “After more than two years of extensive demos and detailed industry research by the customer, VirTra is honored to be selected for this prestigious international project. This project represents the highest standard in marksmanship, use-of-force, and tactical simulation capabilities in the world. Once installed, this extensive training center will be an ideal location for full demonstrations of VirTra’s product capabilities to other agencies throughout the country.” Read more…