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In today’s fast-evolving public safety landscape, effective training is more critical than ever. That’s where VirTra comes in—offering immersive, high-fidelity simulation training that prepares law enforcement officers for the unpredictable realities of the job. But how do you know if it’s right for your department? The answer is simple: try it out.

VirTra can bring the demo to you or host it at one of their regional events. This flexibility ensures that even busy departments can explore the technology without disrupting operations.

Here are the dates and locations of the conferences and trade shows we will be attending for the remainder of 2025:

Louisiana Chief of Police Conference – July 14-17 | Baton Rouge, LA
102^nd PSA Annual Training Conference – Jul 22-26 | Pittsburgh, PA
Wisconsin Chiefs Conference – Aug 10-13 | Green Bay, WI
American Correctional Association – Aug 21-26 | Denver, CO
MD COP/MSA – Sep 7-9 | Ocean City, MD
Virginia Sheriffs – Sep 16-18 | Virginia Beach, VA
9 States Police Conference – Sep 22-25 | Jackson, WY
TCOLE Annual Training Conference – Sep 23-25 | McAllen, TX
Iowa State Police Association – Oct 6-8 | Davenport, IA
Major Cities Chiefs Annual Meeting – Oct 15-17 | Denver, CO
IACP – Oct 18-21 | Denver, CO
I/ITSEC – Dec 1-5 | Orlando, FL

It isn’t just a sales pitch, it’s a chance to witness how simulation training can improve decision-making, reaction time, and officer confidence. It’s also an opportunity to ask questions, explore curriculum options, and understand the long-term value of investing in advanced training solutions.

Schedule time with us at an upcoming trade show here: https://www.virtra.com/overview-le/demo-request/

As public safety evolves, so does the complexity of the calls officers face. In 2025, mental-health-related incidents have become one of the top safety concerns for law enforcement. The need for smarter, more empathetic training is clear, and VirTra is stepping in to fill the gap.

Co-Responder Teams Are Expanding

Across the U.S., police departments are partnering with mental-health professionals to form co-responder teams. In cities like Grandview, MO, and Lincoln, NE, these teams are reducing arrests, increasing follow-up care, and saving lives. “Since the program began in early March, co‑responders have responded to 23 calls for service, in which 15 people received assistance that did not require further emergency intervention…69% of those also received follow‑up support.” – Amber Dirks, CenterPointe Program Manager.

But the success of co-response depends on training. Officers and clinicians must know to coordinate under pressure and de-escalate safely. Simulation training allows them to rehearse real-world scenarios—with room to make mistakes and learn from them.

Officer Wellness Is a Growing Priority

The public safety employees are also in crisis. In 2025 alone, dozens of first responders have died by suicide. Departments are responding with new wellness policies, peer-support programs, and grants, but training is key here too.

Simulation can be used for wellness drills, helping officers build habits around post-critical incident support and stress management. Just like tactical training, emotional readiness needs structure and repetition.

VirTra’s Role

At VirTra, we’re committed to helping agencies train for today’s realities. Our systems offer:

Realistic mental-health scenarios
De-escalation
Customizable content that adapts to your agency’s needs

We believe that good training isn’t just about control, it’s about compassion. And simulation helps bridge that gap.

Let’s Talk

Whether you’re expanding crisis response, building a co-responder team, or investing in officer wellness, simulation training can help prepare your people both emotionally and operationally.

👉 Schedule a demo
👉 Explore mental health scenarios
👉 Talk to our team about customized solutions

Law enforcement agencies must adopt effective use of force policies to ensure both public safety and officer accountability.

The Importance of Clear Use of Force Policies

Clear use of force policies are essential for law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and ensure that officers adhere to established standards. These policies provide a framework that guides officers in making critical decisions during high-pressure situations. By having well-defined protocols, agencies can mitigate the risk of excessive force and align their actions with legal and ethical standards.

Furthermore, transparent policies help in maintaining accountability. When officers understand the boundaries and expectations set forth by their department, it becomes easier to enforce compliance and address any deviations effectively. This clarity not only protects the public but also safeguards officers from potential legal repercussions and public scrutiny.

Training and Simulation: Preparing Officers for Real-World Scenarios

Effective training programs are vital in preparing officers for the complexities of real-world scenarios. Utilizing advanced simulation technologies, such as those provided by VirTra, law enforcement agencies can create realistic environments where officers can practice their decision-making skills. These simulations allow officers to experience a wide range of situations, from routine encounters to high-stress confrontations in a controlled setting.

By engaging in immersive training, officers can better understand the nuances of use of force and develop the necessary skills to de-escalate potentially volatile situations. This hands-on approach ensures that officers are not only knowledgeable about policies but also adept at applying them in the field.

Balancing Public Safety and Officer Safety

A key challenge in law enforcement is balancing the need for public safety with the imperative to protect officers. Effective use of force policies must address this balance by providing guidelines that prioritize de-escalation and minimal force whenever possible while ensuring that officers are equipped to protect themselves and others.

Adopting a balanced approach fosters a safer community and enhances the overall effectiveness of law enforcement operations. It encourages a culture of restraint and respect for human life, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and supporting the well-being of officers.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Use of Force

The use of force in law enforcement is governed by a complex web of legal and ethical considerations. Policies must align with federal, state, and local laws to ensure that officers’ actions are legally defensible. Additionally, ethical standards play a vital role in guiding officers’ behavior, emphasizing the importance of integrity, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Law enforcement agencies must provide continuous education on these legal and ethical frameworks. This ongoing training helps officers stay current with evolving standards and reinforces the importance of upholding the law and ethical principles in every interaction.

Continuous Review and Improvement of Policies

The dynamic nature of law enforcement necessitates the continuous review and improvement of use of force policies. Agencies must regularly assess the effectiveness of their policies through data analysis, feedback from officers, and community input. This iterative process ensures that policies remain relevant and effective in addressing current challenges.

By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, law enforcement agencies can adapt to new developments, incorporate best practices, and enhance their overall effectiveness. This commitment to excellence not only improves operational outcomes but also strengthens public trust and officer morale.

For information on how VirTra can help increase officer safety, contact us.

In the complex and high-stakes world of law enforcement, the ability to wisely use discretion can mean the difference between a peaceful resolution and unnecessary escalation.

The Importance of Discretion in Law Enforcement

Discretion is a fundamental aspect of law enforcement, allowing officers to make judgement calls based on the situation at hand. This ability to be flexible and responsive is crucial in maintaining order and ensuring public safety. It involves assessing the context and dynamics of an encounter to decide the most appropriate course of action.

Without the use of discretion, law enforcement would be forced to apply rigid protocols to every situation, which could lead to unnecessary confrontations or missed opportunities for de-escalation. Effective discretion helps in building trust within the community, as it demonstrates that officers are capable of making fair, human-centered decisions.

Factors Influencing the Decision to Escalate

Several factors can influence an officer’s decision to escalate an encounter. These include the behavior and demeanor of the individual involved, the presence of weapons, the environment, and the potential threat to public safety. Officers must quickly assess these elements to determine whether escalation is warranted.

Another critical factor is the legal framework and departmental policies that guide officers on when and how to escalate. These guidelines ensure that actions are legally justified and in line with ethical standards. Additionally, the officer’s experience, training, and intuition play a significant role in making these split-second decisions.

Training and Guidelines for Effective Discretion

Proper training and clear guidelines are essential for officers to exercise effective discretion. Training programs, such as those offered by VirTra’s V-VICTA®, provide officers with realistic scenarios that enhance their decision-making skills. These programs emphasize the importance of situational awareness, communication skills, and conflict resolution techniques.

Guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are also critical. They provide a framework within which officers can operate, ensuring consistency and accountability in their actions. These SOPs often include protocols for use of force, de-escalation techniques, and criteria for escalation, helping officers to make informed decisions in the field.

Case Studies: Real-World Examples of Discretion

Real-world case studies provide valuable insights into the application of discretion in law enforcement. For instance, an officer responding to a domestic dispute might choose to de-escalate the situation by separating the parties and mediating a dialogue rather than immediately resorting to arrests. This approach not only resolves the immediate conflict but also fosters trust within the community.

Another example could be an officer encountering a person experiencing a mental health crisis. Instead of escalating through force, the officer might use de-escalation techniques learned in training to calm the individual and connect them with appropriate mental health services. These cases highlight how discretion can lead to more humane and effective policing.

Balancing Safety and Community Trust

Balancing the need for safety with the goal of maintaining community trust is a complex challenge for law enforcement. Effective use of discretion plays a pivotal role in achieving this balance. By making thoughtful, measured decisions, officers can protect public safety while also demonstrating respect and empathy for the individuals involved.

Building community trust requires transparency and accountability in how discretion is exercised. Law enforcement agencies must ensure that their officers are well-trained, supported, and guided by clear policies. Engaging with the community and fostering open communication also helps in understanding community concerns and building a foundation of mutual respect and trust.

To learn more about how VirTra can help your agency, contact us to speak to a product specialist.

VirTra provides immersive and realistic simulation training solutions designed to prepare law enforcement for high-pressure, real-world critical decisions. Contact us today to learn more.

Training and Simulation: Preparing Officers for Real-World Scenarios

Don’t miss: Revolutionizing Use of Force Research – How VirTra is Changing the Game

Balancing Public Safety and Officer Safety

Looking for engaging, result-driven, science-based training? VirTra simulators provide realistic, immersive and interactive training. Reach out today to schedule a demo.

Legal and Ethical Considerations in Use of Force

Continuous Review and Improvement of Policies

The dynamic nature of law enforcement necessitates the continuous review and improvement of use of force policies. Agencies must regularly assess the effectiveness of their policies through data analysis, feedback from officers, community input and training. This iterative process ensures that policies remain relevant and effective in addressing current challenges.

VirTra training simulators provides engaging and interactive training that is adaptable and designed to train on best practices, resulting in well-trained, well-prepared officers. To learn more about VirTra, contact us today.

Active shooter incidents are among the most dangerous and unpredictable threats law enforcement officers face. Additionally, these situations can unfold anywhere. From schools and offices to shopping centers and places of worship. Incidents requiring rapid response under extreme pressure. For police, active shooter training is not just a precaution; it’s a critical part of modern policing that prepares officers to respond quickly, decisively, and effectively to stop the threat and save lives.

VirTra is a provider of simulator training that prepares law enforcement and security personnel for the unique conditions active shooter incidents present. Contact us today to learn more.

Why Police Need Active Shooter Training

The primary goal of law enforcement in any active shooter scenario is to neutralize the threat as quickly as possible to minimize casualties. Historically, law enforcement’s approach to shootings was containment: secure the perimeter and wait for specialized units like SWAT. However, tragic incidents—such as the Uvalde school shooting in 2022—highlight the urgent need for a faster, more proactive response. In the minutes it takes for a tactical team to arrive, dozens of lives can be lost.

Today’s standard is known as the Immediate Action Rapid Deployment (IARD) model. It emphasizes that first-responding officers must engage the shooter immediately rather than waiting for backup. This shift in strategy requires intense, specialized training so officers are prepared to act alone or in small teams during high-stress, fast-evolving events.

Don’t miss: Enhancing Law Enforcement Training: The rise of VR Simulators

What Police Learn in Active Shooter Training

Active shooter training for police is comprehensive and rigorous, covering a range of tactical, technical, and psychological skills. Here’s what officers typically learn:

Tactical Entry and Movement

Officers are trained in methods of clearing buildings, moving in formation, and using cover while advancing toward a threat. They practice navigating hallways, classrooms, and stairwells under fire. The goal is to reach and stop the shooter as quickly and safely as possible.

Threat Identification and Target Discrimination

In chaotic environments, officers must be able to distinguish between the shooter, bystanders, and victims. Training focuses on decision-making under stress, ensuring that officers can make split-second judgments without endangering innocent lives.

Communication and Coordination

Effective communication between officers and command units is essential. Training covers how to coordinate with other responders, relay information about shooter location, injuries, and evolving threats, and how to integrate with fire and EMS teams once the scene is secure.

Don’t settle for online gaming style training simulations. VirTra simulators provide realistic, immersive and interactive training. Reach out today to schedule a demo.

Medical Response

Increasingly, officers are also trained in Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). This involves applying tourniquets, controlling bleeding, and performing basic lifesaving procedures while under fire, providing immediate care before medics can safely enter the scene.

Stress Inoculation and Mental Preparedness

Mental toughness is as important as physical readiness. Officers undergo scenario-based training with role players, gunfire simulations, and high-adrenaline drills to condition them to perform under intense psychological pressure.

VirTra Simulation Scenarios Prepare Law Enforcement

Active shooter training is an indispensable component of modern law enforcement. It transforms first responders into immediate action units capable of saving lives during some of the most terrifying situations imaginable. Our Active Shooter Simulation Scenarios enable law enforcement to practice in a highly charged yet low-stakes environment so they can continuously refine their tactics, improve communication, and prepare mentally and physically so they are ready to act with speed, precision, and courage when every second counts.

Memorial Day, observed on the last Monday of May, is a solemn American holiday dedicated to honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Its origins date back to the aftermath of the Civil War, when communities began holding springtime tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating their graves with flowers and flags. Originally known as Decoration Day, it gradually evolved into Memorial Day, becoming a federal holiday in 1971.

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The day serves not just as a reminder of sacrifice, but as a symbol of the cost of freedom. Over generations, Americans have fought in wars from the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, and Memorial Day gives the nation a moment to reflect on those who gave their lives in those conflicts. It’s not simply a long weekend—it’s a time for remembrance and gratitude.

Ways to Celebrate Memorial Day in 2025

This year, there are many meaningful ways to observe Memorial Day:

Attend a Local Ceremony: Many towns host Memorial Day parades or ceremonies at local cemeteries or memorials. Attending these events is a powerful way to connect with your community and pay respect to the fallen.
Visit a Military Cemetery: If possible, visit a veterans’ cemetery such as Arlington National Cemetery or a local equivalent. Placing a flag or flowers on a grave is a small but poignant tribute.
Pause for the National Moment of Remembrance: At 3:00 p.m. local time, Americans pause for a moment of silence to honor those who died in service. It’s a quiet yet powerful gesture that unites the country in remembrance.
Support Veterans and Military Families: Donating to veterans’ organizations or volunteering your time can make a lasting difference in the lives of those who have served and their families.
Educate and Reflect: Take time to learn about the history of American conflicts and the individuals who served. Sharing stories with younger generations ensures that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

While Memorial Day often includes barbecues and family gatherings, it’s important to balance celebration with reflection. By taking even a few moments to honor the true meaning of the day, we keep alive the legacy of those who gave everything for our freedom.

Who is VirTra

VirTra creates intense, immersive training solutions that keep law enforcement officers safe, prepared and armed with excelled skills. We are meticulous in assuring every aspect of each scenario is the highest quality for maximum realism and learning. This attention to detail, found in every true-to-life scenario, curriculum, recoil kit and electronic device train your team to the highest level of preparedness. Contact us for more information.

In the evolving landscape of military preparedness, VirTra’s V-Marksmanship® emerges as a leading solution. This software that is part of all VirTra simulators is a comprehensive platform that enhances marksmanship training through immersive, customizable, and ballistically accurate simulations.

Customizable Training Environments

V-Marksmanship® offers unparalleled flexibility in creating diverse training scenarios. Instructors can tailor environments by adjusting:

Weather Conditions: Simulate various climates, from rain and fog to different wind conditions, to prepare soldiers for any operational environment.
Time of Day: Train under varying light conditions, including dawn, dusk, or nighttime to enhance adaptability.
Target Configuration: Deploy an unlimited number of targets, including paper, steel, moving, and non-moving types, positioned at varying distances and orientations.

This level of customization ensures that each training session can be uniquely tailored to meet specific operational requirements and training objectives. Users will be prepared for numerous possibilities.

Train with your own Weapon

To bridge the gap between simulation and live-fire exercises, VirTra provides drop-in laser recoil kits compatible with various firearms. These kits allow trainees to use their actual duty weapons within the simulation, providing authentic recoil and weapon handling experiences. The integration of these kits ensures that the skills developed during simulation are directly transferable to real-world scenarios.

To deliver authentic recoil feedback, the recoil kits rely on CO₂-powered magazines. These magazines are designed to mimic end-of-magazine scenarios and allow instructors to introduce malfunctions that trainees must diagnose and resolve. They are also weighted to closely match the feel of a real magazine.

Thorough Debrief and Performance Analysis

As with scenarios, marksmanship performance can be thoroughly reviewed at any time. Every trainee’s shot placement is easily identified, showing who fired which shot and when.

Debrief is further facilitated through the Trainee Monitoring and Recording (TMaR) system. This hardware and software combo enables instructors to review trainees’ actions, including reaction times and decision-making processes, by recording and replaying simulation sessions. These sessions can be viewed immediately or saved for later.

For more information on how V-Marksmanship® can elevate your unit’s training capabilities, talk to a product specialist about setting up a demonstration.

Need to check temperature? Use a thermometer. Need to measure human performance as it applied to police practice? Use VirTra.

VirTra’s value as a training tool is a given. Military and law enforcement agencies worldwide rely on our simulators for consistent, high-quality training. But in the past year, our team has been thrilled to see an exciting new use case:

Research!

Increasingly, scientists looking to measure use-of-force performance under stress turn to VirTra.

VirTra Certified as a Research Tool

Last year, Ohio University tested the V-100 Single Screen Simulator to determine if it could meet the demands of Department of Defense-funded research. The study tracked 30 adults, including those with police or military experience, over three shooting sessions. Researchers evaluated the participants on 21 different shooting metrics, using the simulator’s real-time analytics to capture the data.

The result? Ohio State University found that the simulator accurately captured all 21 variables with a high-reliability score. These findings confirmed that the system’s simulated ballistics met the requirements and exceeded expectations. Ohio State concluded that the simulator was well-suited to demanding research applications. Read the full study here.

The V-100’s newfound academic credentials made it a logical choice for further use of force research. Lon Bartel, Grand Canyon University Doctoral student, with the support of Force Science decided to use it to shed light on a longstanding question about police use of force:

How long does it take an person to stop shooting when presented with new information?

To explore this, the team created a scenario within the V-100 that displayed a target. When the target turned green, participants had to shoot as fast and accurately as possible but stop immediately when it turned red. The system then measured how many shots were fired after the stop signal, tracking reaction time delays.

This research led to some surprising findings. On average, the 109 participants fired an additional two rounds after the target turned red, with the first unintended shot occurring 0.16 seconds after the signal changed. In the most ideal of conditions, the majority of participants fired 2 or more rounds after the stop signal. Where previous research conducted in this area looked at police officer performance, this study used participants and Cumberland University. Illuminating that officers and civilians alike take time to stop shooting once started. Read the full study here.

Conclusion

The results of these studies reinforce VirTra’s reliability in high-stakes research. By providing accurate, real-time performance metrics, the V-100 has proven to be a critical tool for both training and scientific inquiry. As researchers continue to investigate decision-making, reaction times, and use-of-force dynamics, VirTra’s role in shaping the future of tactical training and law enforcement policy will only grow.

Although advanced, the V-100 is within reach of most police departments. Agencies of all sizes can leverage this trusted training tool using grants. Download the VirTra grant guide for easy-to-follow steps on how to apply for simulator grants.

When it comes to simulation training, hearing someone talk about it is nowhere near as impactful as experiencing it. This is why VirTra invites you to the upcoming conferences, trade shows, and events we are attending – giving you a chance to see it for yourself.

Whether it is a demonstration in the 5-screen V-300® simulator or with the newly launched V-XR® headset, we want you to put our technology to the test and see how it can fit into your existing training regimen.

Here are the events VirTra will be attending over the next few months:

Oklahoma Chiefs of Police Conference – Durant, OK – May 19-23, 2025
Delaware Chiefs Conference – Dewey Beach, DE – May 20-25, 2025
IADLEST Conference – Charlotte, NC – June 1-4, 2025
International Association of Healthcare Security & Safety Conference – Scottsdale, AZ – June 2-4, 2025
Tribal Emergency Management Conference – Temecula, CA – June 10-11, 2025
Texas School Safety Conference – San Antonio, TX – June 22-25, 2025
Police & Security Expo – Atlantic City, NJ – June 24-26, 2025

Additionally, there is a demo opportunity at Dover Police Department in Delaware where we invite law enforcement to try out the V-300. Departments that attend will also receive exclusive access to an online webinar: “How to Safely Interact with Individuals with Autism.”

To book some time with a product specialist at one of these upcoming events, click here.