We know that computer-based training simulators — when properly integrated into a complete curriculum of use-of-force/live-fire and behind-the-wheel EVOC training — have tremendous benefits for officer safety.

We recently connected with four of the top industry experts in the area of police simulators — Chuck Deakins, James Peters, Rob McCue, and Jimmie McCoy — to get their thoughts on the challenges, solutions, and future prospects for this continually-developing technology.

In part one of this two-part series, we discussed the biggest issues facing police agencies that simulators can solve, as well as the key things departments need to consider when buying simulators. Here we’ll investigate mistakes that departments sometimes make during the testing and evaluation process, as well as some of our experts’ suggested best practices for using training simulators.

Meet the Experts

Chuck Deakins is Public Safety Specialist for FAAC. Deakins is a retired officer from Santa Ana (Calif.) whose knowledge of simulator training strategies, tactics, and techniques, has led to his success in all applications of simulation instruction.

James Peters is the Law Enforcement Subject Matter Expert and Trainer for VirTra Systems. Peters is a retired officer from an Arizona Law Enforcement Agency. He had a distinguished career in Patrol, Street Crimes, SWAT, and holds numerous training certifications.

Rob McCue is General Manager for IES Interactive Training. McCue has been in the simulation and training industry since 1990. Prior to that, he served as a weapons and tactics instructor as an NCO with the U.S. Army’s elite 1st Ranger Battalion.

Jimmie McCoy is Manager of Courseware Development for Meggitt Training Systems. McCoy leads a team of dedicated professionals producing simulation training courseware intended to save the lives of officers and innocent bystanders.

What mistakes do departments make during the testing and evaluation process?
Chuck Deakins: Agencies don’t always commit sufficient resources to conduct proper research of the systems including manufacturer site visits, service availability, hardware replacement, and warranty programs.

It is critical to compare “apples to apples” and think long-term on this one.

James Peters: A major mistake is when they don’t do a complete testing and evaluation process. You wouldn’t buy a new patrol vehicle, switch to a new handgun or purchase new body armor without ever putting your hands on the product. The same should apply to your department’s simulator purchase.

Robert McCue: Often, we see bids and evaluations that place the highest emphasis on minor technology specifications and requirements that do not add to the overall training capability of the system. For instance, agencies will require a firm bid specification on a projector to be 3,000 lumens minimum and a contrast ratio of 10000:1, and failing to start with asking, “Can this system we are evaluating actually help us with relative to our training goals?”

The hardware specifications are important, but having a high-contrast projector system means very little if the system you get doesn’t include any realistic less-lethal options, or a detailed after-action review capability for trainee skills improvement.
Lastly, avoid evaluating a simulator as a cure-all or a replacement for current training issues — a diminished supply of training ammo, for example. The systems are not designed to replace traditional forms of training like regular live-fire exercises, but simply as another tool that instructors can use to augment and increase training capabilities and output.

Jimmie McCoy:By not realizing that the simulator is a tool, it is not the training instructor. Too often departments look at the simulator as a game, and view the scenario on the screen — watch the movie — rather than realize the ability of the training officer to develop interactive lesson plans designed to challenge and test the officers’ decision making capabilities as well as their knowledge, skills and abilities.

Most participants will start a judgmental exercise with their weapon drawn regardless of the situation. This is a result of the “gaming mentality” and peer pressure that comes from co -workers looking on during the evaluation. During the evaluation, participants should emulate the same behavior that is displayed during an actual encounter.

What are some of your suggested best practices for using training simulators?
Chuck Deakins: Without a doubt, use adult-learning concepts with practical application exercises. Instructors need to stop talking and start training. Officers learn best when they participate in ‘hands-on’ training. Simulators are very hands-on.

James Peters: As a trainer, you should not believe a box exists. Research done by Force Science suggests that unless we train/test under stress, we are not preparing our officers to make better critical use of force decisions in dynamic situations.

Besides quality content, the other way to increase stress is through the use of a shoot-back device. Two main shoot-back devices exist: the shoot-back cannon and the Threat-Fire electronic impulse device. I believe the Threat-Fire electronic impulse device to be the best based on ease-of-use, less down time with cleanup, less potential for an accident, and no need for eye protection allowing trainees “to train like they play”.

Another thing departments have to remember is that life does not happen in a 60-degree field of view directly in front of you. Even on a live-fire square range, where you focus and shoot only downrange for safety reasons, we tell our trainees to scan their 360 after they complete a course of fire.

Having said that, if your department can only afford a single-screen simulator, additional “things” like people, props, and threats will be needed. A recent Force Science article suggested that unless props and other assets are used in conjunction with single screen simulators, officer’s heart rates never really increase enough to force a critical use-of-force decision in a stressful situation.

Robert McCue: Instructors always set the tone. If they take simulator training seriously, and have a well thought-out lesson plan supported by examples of required performance standards in the simulator, the trainees will take it seriously, too, and learn and retain more.

Also it’s important to have the trainees in full uniform when they are in the simulator when possible — duty belts, gloves, helmets, body armor — whatever they typically wear on standard duty or specialized missions.

Lastly, safety is important. Ensure that all department safety rules are adhered to before and during simulator training — live firearms are to be cleared and secured, and firearms safety and awareness rules are to be used with simulator weapons. This will ensure that the simulator training sessions are engaging and intense, and will result in better-trained and more-confident officers on the street.

Jimmie McCoy: A virtual marksmanship and judgmental firearms trainer is a tool, so to use it effectively training objectives need to be developed. Lesson plans that effectively integrate scenarios, weapons, and tactics must be developed.

And you have to have regular use of the system. The benefit of a marksmanship and judgmental trainer is access — so officers should use the system often to maintain fundamental marksmanship skills.

Finally, ensure your officers leave the simulator training session with a positive attitude, as they will carry this with them into the field.

 View PDF of Article

Via – Police One

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.

  Watch Video

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.

The Company’s general and administrative expenses during the first quarter of 2013 were $1.20 million compared to $1.53 million for the first quarter, 2012.  VirTra has continued to control spending while investing in the development of multiple new products and sales initiatives in order to promote long-term growth along with support and new scenario development for current customers.

Mark Skidmore, Vice President – Chief Accounting Officer of the Company, stated, “VirTra’s management team, and all of the Company’s employees, has worked extremely hard at improving financial and operational efficiencies. This ongoing, committed effort by our team had a direct financial impact on the net operating results for the first quarter.”

Bob Ferris, Chief Executive Officer of VirTra, commented, “The Company’s first quarter 2013 financial performance demonstrates strong gains in profitability. VirTra remains focused on growing its annual revenue and bottom line results through an expanding worldwide customer base.”

About VirTra Systems

VirTra is a global leading provider of the world’s most realistic and effective shooting simulators. VirTra is the higher standard in firearms training simulators, offering a variety of simulator platforms, powerful gas-powered recoil kits and the patented Threat-Fire™ simulated hostile return fire system.  VirTra’s products provide the very best simulation training available for personnel that are entrusted with lethal force and critical missions.  The Company’s common stock is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company does not currently file periodic or other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

www.VirTra.com

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events.  All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements.  Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information.  Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate.  VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors.  Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.  All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change.  The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 View PDF of Press Release  View PDF of Q1 2013 Report

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!

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.”

About VirTra

VirTra is a global leading provider of the world’s most realistic and effective shooting simulators. VirTra is the higher standard in firearms training simulators, offering a variety of simulator platforms, exclusive realistic simulation software, powerful gas-powered recoil kits and the patented Threat-Fire(TM) simulated hostile return fire system. VirTra’s products provide the very best simulation training available for personnel that are entrusted with lethal force and critical missions. The Company’s common stock is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company does not currently file periodic or other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

www.VirTra.com

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Investor Relations Counsel
Rudy R. Miller
Chairman, President & CEO
The Miller Group
www.themillergroup.net
tel: 602.225.0505
email: virtra@themillergroup.net

View PDF of Press Release

Tundra International is pleased to announce that it has entered into an exclusive partnership with Mr David Hammond, Barrister of 9 Bedford Row International Chambers, London to identify and develop new technology based training methods to test personnel on their knowledge and application of the Rules for the Use of Force and the ’100 Series Rules’ as it applies to the maritime security environment.

The 100 Series Rules, created by David Hammond, a UK Counsel and barrister-at-law who heads up the maritime practice at the International division of 9 Bedford Row Chambers (http://9bri.com/members/david-hammond), are intended to be a model set and example of best practice for maritime Rules for the Use of Force, and they are intended to compliment current industry RUF guidance, as well as supporting the requirements of ISO PAS 28007 as an international regulatory document.  They are being developed for the use and benefit of the entire maritime industry with support and technical advice from international organisations such as the Security Association for the Maritime Industry (SAMI) and BIMCO, and are under-pinned by a thorough public international and criminal law legal review using an objective international law test of what is “reasonable and necessary” and “proportionate” when force is used in self-defence. See www.100seriesrules.com

VirTra simulation training at Tundra Academy

Under the terms of this agreement, Tundra International, through its wholly-owned maritime subsidiary, Tundra Maritime Defense Services, will  examine ways to ensure that high quality training is rapidly made available in respect of the lawful application of the 100 Series Rules,  through a variety of methods including the use of integrated static and mobile training teams, and the development of simulator training packages through Tundra’s existing exclusivity agreement with Virtra Systems Inc. (OTC US:VTSI), a leading provider of advanced judgmental and tactical simulators.

Tundra intends to use Virtra’s most advanced model, the Virtra 300, to develop judgemental Use of Force scenarios for the maritime environment. The Virtra 300 is the world’s highest standard for both individual and collective Rules for the Use of Force training, combining 5 screens to give a 300-degree immersive training platform that ensures time in the simulator will translate into real-world experience for making judgement based decisions.

Milwaukee Demo Location

Milwaukee Police Department
6680 N. Teutonia Ave
Milwaukee, WI 53209

St. Paul Demo Location

Western District Team Garage
389 North Hamlin Ave.
St. Paul, MN 55104

Call Scott Holt at 480.968.1488 x 5064 to schedule your appointment today!

VirTra has released the report of its independent registered public accounting firm, BDO Seidman Alliance member Semple, Marchal & Cooper, LLP, on the corporate financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2012. The company reported record high annual gross revenue of $8.8 million a 12% increase over 2011 gross revenue. This gain was due to increased market acceptance of VirTra as the new standard in use of force training simulators and sales department improvements implemented before and during 2012.

Also, VirTra’s gross margin improved by 22%, moving from 52% of sales in 2011, up to 63% of sales during 2012. This increase was partially attributed to the increase in VirTra’s pricing. Also, in 2011 operations implemented a new production and inventory management system designed to improve material, labor, installation, and overhead costs of goods sold.

To increase opportunities for future expansion, VirTra did expand its overall spending on research and development during 2012. VirTra’s General and Administration expense remained constant as a percentage of sales during 2012.  As a result of these efforts, VirTra made a profit during 2012 of $.1 million as compared with a loss of $.7 million in 2011.

During 2012 and continuing into 2013, VirTra is pursuing aggressive growth strategies, to include sustained investment into its business to lay the foundation for expected expansion. As part of this process, VirTra is working alongside world class companies on several large domestic and international expansion opportunities. In addition, the Company continues to build on its best-in-class product and service reputation with military, law enforcement and commercial customers throughout the world.

Bob Ferris, Chief Executive Officer of VirTra, stated, “VirTra not only reached a record high in 2012 revenue and produced a profit, it did so while investing money and time into major growth opportunities in North America and selected world-wide markets. The management team is committed to building the Company’s business, which is fundamental to long-term shareholder value. In addition, the Board of Directors is examining the implications of becoming a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reporting company as well as reviewing a potential stock reversal and possible exchange listing.”

Investor Relations Counsel
Rudy R. Miller, Chairman, President & CEO
The Miller Group
www.themillergroup.net
tel: 602.225.0505 email: virtra@themillergroup.net

 View PDF of the Press Release

 View PDF of 2012 Audited Financial Statements

About VirTra

VirTra is a global leading provider of the world’s most realistic and effective shooting simulators. VirTra is the higher standard in firearms training simulators, offering a variety of simulator platforms, powerful gas-powered recoil kits and the patented Threat-Fire™ simulated hostile return fire system. VirTra’s products provide the very best simulation training available for personnel that are entrusted with lethal force and critical missions. The Company’s common stock is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company does not currently file periodic or other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

www.VirTra.com

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “proposed,” “planned,” “potential” and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forwardlooking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the company’s securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

 2013 VirTra Annual Meeting Notice

 View PDF of Press Release

Demo Location

Chief James G. Jackson Columbus Police Academy
1000 North Hague Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43204

Call Scott Holt at 480.968.1488 x 5064 to schedule your appointment today!