The first question you should ask when weighing firearm training options for your agency is, “do all firearms simulators provide the same training value?” The simple answer is no. The purpose of simulation training is to immerse the trainee in an environment as true-to-life as what they may experience in real-world situations.
VirTra understands that there is much more to law enforcement work than simply “shoot don’t shoot” scenarios. As the saying goes, communication is key. It’s one of the best tools available to law enforcement officers, and the reason that – based on the verbal commands of the trainee – there are so many different outcomes to choose from as a scenario progresses. Lethal or less lethal force may be necessary based on trainee communication and scenario progression.
Law enforcement positions carry a high liability to all concerned – both for the officer and the public they serve – and training with the proper use of their tools is essential. It is vital that officers are trained with the most sophisticated, relevant and ever-evolving equipment. When VirTra simulation training is added to an agency’s existing training program, defensive tactics, search and seizure, and report writing are incorporated to provide a truly dynamic training experience.
One of the key features of the VirTra system is that you can accomplish numerous types of training with a single system – such as weapons handling, judgmental use of force and de-escalation. An agency can also enhance a particular skill or ability of a trainee, conduct administrative tests, introduce new policies or design custom scenarios to focus on a specific purpose or “re-certification” in order to measure the successes or failures of the trainee before they are in a real-life situation.
VirTra – A True Reality-based Simulator
VirTra spares no expense when developing and producing scenarios that have a high attention to detail and incorporate all of the senses. Experienced film crews and vetted actors/actresses are used in all scenarios to produce the highest quality product where no detail is overlooked. By incorporating all of the senses into the VirTra simulator experience, trainees can get the adrenaline rush that occurs in high stress situations where senses become heightened to sounds, smell, touch and even light.
The stage of the VirTra V-300 is designed to vibrate with scenario-specific sound(s) of the training officer’s choosing, such as helicopters, dogs barking, emergency sirens and weather (rain, thunder, snow, wind). The noise level can be as high – or as low – as the training operator desires. Scenarios can also be experienced in any sort of desired light – such as daylight, high noon, sunset, and evening – causing the trainee to have to use a flashlight (which can be seen in the scenario). The operator also has the ability to add props for cover and concealment.
VirTra – Reality-based Simulation Intensified
Not only can a trainee be outfitted with an Axon® TASER®, OC spray or a flashlight, they can also be fitted with a Threat-Fire® and recoil kit for the on-duty firearm that they carry. Both the TASER and OC work within the scenario, capturing both the time and placement of “hits.” This allows both the operator and the trainee to use the information to enhance the trainee’s training experience.
When firing a gun, it is important to know what to do in the event of a gun malfunction or something as simple as running out of ammunition. The realistic VirTra simulator provides a safe environment for that training.
The use of the VirTra threat-fire, which is a small box fitted to the trainee’s belt, is designed to “shock” the trainee if the they failed to react to scenario in appropriate manner. The threat-fire is not designed to punish the trainee, but rather stun and surprise them – encouraging the trainee to work through the shock and continue on until the threat has stopped.
In an effort to ensure the VirTra simulator experience is as close to reality as possible, it is essential that the tools have a realistic feel. VirTra recoil kits provide the feel of live firing by doing exactly what its name states – recoil. The barrel of the firearm is removed and a laser kit is dropped in, allowing the trainee to experience the recoil feel of live fire from firing their own duty weapon in the simulator as they proceed through the training exercise. Not only will the gun provide accurate sight view, it will recoil with every pull of the trigger.
Currently, VirTra has recoil kits for the following pistols, rifles and shotguns:
- Beretta M9, Glock 17, Glock 19, Glock 22, Taurus T92, Sig Sauer P226, H&K P2000, H&K USPC, M4/M16/AR-15, AK-47, 12-Gauge Shotgun, HK SL8 and many more.
The VirTra realistic recoil accessory allow trainees to experience the feel of recoil from live fire, without the expense, danger, and environmental factors associated with live ammunition. When recoil – combined with sight alignment, breathing exercises, trigger pull, and scenarios or marksmanship – is built into a training program, the trainee is provided every opportunity to succeed and make sure everyone makes it home at the end of the night.
Although there is no exception to live firing qualification, simulation training – either scenario-based or marksmanship – can enhance one’s skill set, improve marksmanship, and build confidence as a cost-effective and proven training asset.
When VirTra’s use of force training simulators are used in Law Enforcement or Military Training, the training processes work in much of the same way. One aspect of VirTra’ s system involves three major parts. These three parts functions together and they are: scenario debriefing, TMaR (Trainee Monitoring and Recording), and the Instructor Control Panel.
Scenario Debriefing
VirTra’s use of force simulators have a unique option that the instructor is able to “Debrief” the trainee immediately after they go through a scenario. It is extremely beneficial to be able to replay the scenario in slow motion and look at what force was used, was it verbal, less lethal or lethal force. Trainees are able to walk the instructor through their thought process while seeing the scenario in front of them while the instructor is able to point cues that the trainee may have missed. This feedback is critical to the learning process.
Being able to debrief and collect data from all trainees will show where additional training needs to be focused on. It will also train and remediate training flaws in a controlled environment. Where remedial training can be done prior to a real-life situation. This alone will save officers, solders and civilian lives. Because VirTra’s use of force simulations are customizable, it is possible for instructors to alter the scenario or even put trainees into different scenarios that will help them address weaknesses and better prepare them for the line of duty.
Trainee Monitoring and Recording (TMaR)
Trainee Monitoring and Recording, or TMaR, allows instructors to monitor and record their trainees while they are in the simulator responding to the events. This is advantageous to both the trainee and the trainer. The functionality of this system being able to be replayed during the debrief stage, on the same screen as the scenario makes for an excellent training aid. Trainers are able to point out to the trainee anything that they are doing right or wrong, from having a finger on the trigger to missing an aggressor due to their tunnel vision. This isn’t just an instructor telling a trainee that they need to work on something. This is video proof that is replayed during debrief with the scenario on the same screen showing the trainees reaction to the scenarios.
As the scenario plays out and the trainee responds to the simulation, the instructor can make playback notes for the trainee. Then, the picture-in-picture functionality provides an awesome debriefing tool, allowing the instructor and trainee to review the entire session play-by-play or simply revisit any problem areas that may need addressing. TMaR is an optional package that works alongside VirTra’s use of force simulators.
Trainees who can view their actions during a scenario are far more likely to improve the ways in which they react to those scenarios in the future, whether during a simulation or in the real world. With TMaR and the ability to watch the entire scenario or even parts of the scenario, even in slow motion, it becomes easier for instructors to help trainers understand strengths and weaknesses.
Instructor Control Panel
The instructor control panel is where the instructor can customize the chosen scenario in several unique ways, including adding audio to choosing between different branches that change the outcome of a scenario depending on the trainees’ actions or reactions to what is happening in the simulator. What’s more, the instructor also has access to VirTra’s Threat-Fire. Threat-Fire is a patented piece of equipment that VirTra is the soul source supplier of. This system gives the instructor the ability to stimulate the stress response of the trainee for any type of situation which raises the trainees heart rate, causes vasoconstriction, activates other endocrine system responses. These all being the response to any stress in the field.
Using these unique features of VirTa’s judgmental use of force simulator will give the trainee a realistic approach to real life scenarios while in a controlled environment where the trainee can learn from their own behaviors and reactions giving them an opportunity to change bad behavior and tactics while honing in the good behavior and tactics. Being able to put trainees through real life situations prior to it actually happening will save officers, soldiers, and civilian lives.
Tempe, Ariz. — February 20, 2018 — VirTra, Inc. (OTCQX: VTSI), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has filed a request with FINRA to authorize a 1-for-2 reverse split of its common stock as part of the Company’s efforts to qualify for and complete an uplist to The NASDAQ Capital Market. In connection with the anticipated move to The NASDAQ Capital Market, we will register VirTra’s common shares with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and VirTra will thereafter be subject to all the reporting obligations of a public reporting company. With the successful implementation of the reverse stock split, and provided that the Company’s common stock meets the NASDAQ minimum bid price requirement, the Company believes it will meet all requirements for listing VirTra’s common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market and will thereafter move as quickly as possible to secure an uplisting. Despite these steps being taken by VirTra there can be no assurance that the Company’s application for listing will be approved.
In the reverse stock split, every two shares of issued and outstanding common stock will be converted into one share of new common stock, with all fractional shares being rounded up to the nearest whole share. No fractional shares will be issued in connection with the reverse stock split. The reverse stock split will reduce the number of shares of issued and outstanding common stock from approximately 15.85 million pre-split shares to approximately 7.9 million post-split shares. Proportional adjustments will be made to VirTra’s outstanding stock options. Upon completion of the 1-for-2 reverse split each stockholder’s percentage ownership interest in VirTra, and the proportional voting power, will remain unchanged. In addition, the rights and privileges of the holders of VirTra common stock are unaffected by the reverse stock split. VirTra has requested that the reverse stock split become effective as of 5 p.m. ET on February 26, 2018, and accordingly the Company’s common stock is expected to begin trading on a post-split basis under the symbol “VTSID” at the open of trading on Thursday, March 1, 2018. The Company’s common stock will also be identified under a new CUSIP number (92827K 301). Before any listing of the common stock on The NASDAQ Capital Market could occur, NASDAQ will need to approve the Company’s application for listing. There can be no assurance that the Company’s application for listing will be approved.
“The Board of Directors firmly believes in the value that a listing on NASDAQ brings to the shareholders of VirTra, and we are confident that listing on a national securities exchange will be beneficial to our future,” commented Bob Ferris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of VirTra. “Having a track record of successfully completing high-tech simulator projects in increasingly larger numbers, we are now in a position to be considered as a potential supplier to larger municipalities, both within the United States and around the world. We believe that the transparency and marketability of attaining a national exchange listing will be an important factor for some customers. In addition, a national listing is also expected to improve liquidity for our shareholders and provide us the opportunity to reach an even larger audience of investors. In connection with the uplisting process, we expect to become an SEC registered company in the United States and for VirTra and its shareholders this will be another significant milestone to be achieved.”
About VirTra
VirTra is a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets. The Company’s patented technologies, software and scenarios provide intense training for de-escalation, judgmental use-of-force, marksmanship and related training that mimics real world situations. VirTra’s mission is to save and improve lives worldwide through realistic and highly-effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.
Forward-looking Statements
This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as “could,” “may,” “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, and 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.
Media contact:
VirTra
info@virtra.com
480-968-1488
Investor relations contact:
Brett Maas
vtsi@haydenir.com
(646) 536-7331
The Governor of Virginia, Ralph Northam, recently made national headlines for an announcement about providing $1 million dollars in federal funding to Virginia law enforcement agencies to help upgrade their technology and enhance officer training.
The assistance comes via the U.S. Justice Department’s Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program, and couldn’t come at a better time for the state’s cash-strapped law enforcement agencies, who, like other agencies nationwide, are faced with declining budgets that hamper their ability to provide much-needed training. These funding shortfalls jeopardize the lives of police officers and also put members of the public at risk. Increasing the risk of exposure to costly litigation due to a lack of critical training.
Nevertheless, the news is a good reminder of the different approaches that communities and law enforcement agencies can take to procure funding for advanced technology needed for effective use of force training. St. Louis County Deputy Police Chief Kenneth Cox discussed some of these methods in a December article in the National Academy Associate, the national publication for the FBINAA. For example, St. Louis County was able to procure a VirTra V-300 system thanks to a generous grant from a local police foundation, and Cox talked about other options in the article as well.
Police departments and municipalities can join forces to collaborate on regional or multi-jurisdiction projects, which is something that is permissible in the Virginia grant solicitation that was just announced. Agencies can also work with their state governments to fund better training. In 2016 Arizona became the first state to introduce advanced simulator training as a statewide initiative when the Arizona Department of Public Safety partnered with the Arizona State Legislature to procure funds to purchase seven VirTra V-300 use of force simulators. Now agencies statewide can receive the advanced training that VirTra systems provide to help them make better decisions in use of force situations. Other funding sources for training simulators can come from federal asset forfeiture programs or special assessments on traffic tickets and other fees or fines. The state of Utah used both asset forfeiture money as well as legislative funding to purchase V-300 simulators that have helped train more than 50 agencies across the state since the systems were installed. Or even from private donors wanting to ensure their local law enforcement officers are being provided the best training possible.
Good training with the latest technology is an absolute necessity to ensure that officers who put their lives on the line are properly trained to react quickly and make good decisions in dangerous situations. VirTra is leading the way to make this possible for law enforcement agencies around the world.
The use of social media has empowered everyone to become a “reporter” and at times it appears almost everything is newsworthy. Incidents are frequently captured live with cell phones, dash cams, go-pros, and many other devices via video and or audio and made public immediately; often presented from one perspective, without all the facts or even a thoughtful investigation into the incident. Law enforcement related incidents, in particular, garner a lot of attention through social media often causing chaos within a community. Often as a result of the appearance of excessive force or actual excessive force incidents captured on social media community members and civic organizations have demanded better police accountability, training, and public relations.
Some of the More Infamous Cases That Demanded Improved Law Enforcement Training
March 3, 1991, Rodney King
In 1991, a bystander provided local news media 81 seconds of footage showing police officers hitting and kicking taxi driver Rodney King a total of 56 times, despite the fact that King was on the ground and complacent. A year after the incident the officers involved were tried on charges of police brutality and the use of excessive force. Their acquittals in the high-profile case prompted the infamous 1992 Los Angeles riots, also known as The Rodney King riots. Widespread looting, assault, arson, and killings occurred during the riots, and estimates of property damage were over $1 billion. Following widespread outrage across the country, the City of Los Angeles awarded King $3.8 million in a civil lawsuit.
According to Time Magazine, 57% of people surveyed about the incident thought racism was the motive; however, some other respondents believed that a lack of proper police training was to blame. As a result of the incident, the United States Department of Justice conducted a study which resulted in programs aimed at community-oriented policing and enhanced police training, in an effort to better train and equip police officers, ultimately building a better relationship between law enforcement and the communities served.
April 4, 2015, Walter Scott
On April 4, 2015, a daytime traffic stop for a non-functioning brake light resulted in a police shooting of a fleeing suspect, Walter Scott, which resulted in Walter Scott’s death. The officer involved was charged with murder after video footage of the shooting was discovered, the first trial ended in a mistrial with a hung jury. In May of 2017, the officer plead guilty to federal charges and the murder charges were dropped the officer was sentenced to 20 years in prison. An out-of-court settlement was reached and the City of North Charleston agreed to pay Scott’s family $6.5 million.
November 22, 2014, Tamir Rice
Police responded to a call of a black male who “kept pulling a gun out of his pants and pointing it at people”. Upon arrival to the scene, the officers yelled “show me your hands “through the open patrol car window. Rice started lifting his shirt as if he was going to draw a weapon from his waistband. The officer shot and struck Rice once in the torso where he died at the hospital a day later. The handgun that Rice had was a replica firearm with the orange tip cut off.
The grand jury did not indict the officers releasing a statement “Given this perfect storm of human error, mistakes, and communications by all involved that day, the evidence did not indicate criminal conduct by police.” The Rice family filed a wrongful death suit citing the City of Cleveland failed to properly train the officers, the lawsuit was settled out of court for $6 million.
One common denominator brought up in each of these incidents is the lack of or need for additional police training. These three incidents alone cost taxpayers a total of $16.3 million dollars. Could additional training have prevented any of these unfortunate incidents from happening? We will never know. What we do know is that technology is a wonderful ever-expanding tool that is only going to improve with time, allowing information to become even more rapidly available to the public served. Today’s technology provides the tools to train our officers using past events, current scenarios to prepare for better outcomes in the future. VirTra simulators are relevant, realistic, and account for several perspectives. The real question is, do we continue to fail our officers by not providing the best training available to them and the public they have sworn to protect and serve when VirTra training simulators exist to enhance officer training and save lives.