Military leaders looking to adopt virtual training devices must ask several critical questions when deciding on a technology solution for their forces. Can their live training be conducted realistically and accurately within this immersive virtual environment? Is there a high training throughput? Does it ease the instructor load?

Extended reality (XR) entered the military training space in various roles and applications. It has long been used for flight and drone operation and, more recently, for negotiation, combat, medical, and more. It is a highly flexible style of training that, by definition, combines the benefits of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality into one package.
XR sets itself apart from other virtual technologies by allowing trainees to interact with virtual objects placed in the real world. Passthrough and augmented reality have further developed to reduce motion sickness and lack of immersion caused by an overly artificial CGI environment.

XR Applications in Military Training

HTC VIVE surveyed 400 military personnel to assess attitudes towards XR training. Respondents were a mix of XR users and non-XR users, and responses indicated that the armed forces were eager to adopt or continue to use the technology.

• 67% said XR training helps them prepare for stressful situations.
• 80% said XR enhances their education plans.
• 75% of the respondents who do not use XR plan to do so by 2028.

These recent statistics gathered in mid-2023 show a promising outlook for the future of XR. Simulated training in all forms has been popular for years, but the unique benefits from XR are noted for immersive combat training, technical training, and exercises (VIVE Business, 2023).

V-XR®- VirTra’s XR Solution

VirTra offered a glimpse of its newest technology at I/ITSEC 2024. The V-XR® is our most portable simulation tool, and its self-driven properties help reduce instructor exertion. Its unique use of volumetrically captured characters allows for a more realistic experience than traditional CGI.

Schedule a demonstration of this new system by speaking with a specialist here.

In the realm of law enforcement and military simulation training, realism is paramount. This is why VirTra offers advanced recoil kits that transform standard service weapons into simulation-ready tools, providing high physical fidelity training experiences.

Recoil kits easily fit into a user’s duty weapon with no permanent modification required. You don’t have to be an engineer to do it – they can be installed in minutes with minimal tools. Once installed, all normal accessories like sights and holsters can still be utilized.

VirTra’s recoil kits are manufactured and designed at VirTra’s headquarters in Arizona – meaning they are entirely made in the USA.

Wide Range of Compatible Firearms

VirTra’s recoil kits accommodate a broad range of firearms. Compatible models include:

• Pistols: Beretta M9, Glock 17, 19, 22, Sig Sauer P226, Heckler & Koch P2000, Smith & Wesson MP, Walther P99.
• Rifles: M16, AK-47, Heckler & Koch G36, MP5, UMP, CZ805 Bren, TAVOR X95, SIG MCX, among others.

This extensive compatibility ensures officers can train with their own duty weapon, eliminating training scars caused by unrealistic tools.

Used with CO2 Magazines

For the recoil kits to provide their realistic recoil response, CO2-operated magazines are required. These magazines can simulate end-of-magazine events as well as instructor-initiated malfunctions that the trainee must work through. They are weighted to provide the same feel as a real magazine.

The proprietary refill station allows for quick and easy CO2 refills, minimizing downtime between training sessions. This system is both cost-effective and environmentally friendly, reducing the need for disposable CO2 cartridges. Other options such as “green gas” can be flammable and dangerous, but VirTra uses food grade CO2 commonly used in soda machines around the world.

Safety

The weapon kits and CO2 delivery system provide a safety buffer as well. The kits preclude the loading of a live round into the weapon. This safety measure is key to keeping training environments as safe as possible, while still conducting highly representative training.

True-Fire Technology

A significant advancement in VirTra’s recoil kits is the incorporation of True-Fire technology. In January 2024, VirTra announced the release of its improved drop-in recoil kits that minimize false firing incidents. This feature ensures that shots are only registered when the trigger is intentionally pulled, reducing instances that can skew training evaluations. By preventing unintentional shot registration during actions like sliding, tapping, or dropping the weapon, True-Fire enhances the authenticity of training sessions.

Durability

To withstand the rigors of frequent training, VirTra’s recoil kits are fortified with ArmorGen™, a protective coating that minimizes wear and extends the lifespan of the equipment. This coating bonds at an atomic level, ensuring consistent performance and reliability throughout extensive training cycles.

To learn more about VirTra’s training options, contact a specialist.

At VirTra, we believe nothing should stand in the way of a future with safer communities. That’s why we launched Taskforce Santa – a giveaway contest to provide police agencies in need of improved training with state-of-the-art simulator tools. In 2023, we gifted a V-100 training simulator to Atoka PD – a small police department based outside of Memphis, Tennessee. Our team caught up with Atoka’s training coordinator Corporal Chris Covarrubias to learn more about the impact of the VirTra training simulator on his police force and community.

When Atoka PD applied for the Taskforce Santa, it needed a new tool to confidently train officers, collaborate with other departments, and positively engage with their community. VirTra’s V-100 ensures Atoka PD is well on its way to reaching these goals.

The agency is a relatively small team, with 5 active officers on 3 shifts. The community they serve experiences relatively low levels of violent crime, but with crime rates rising in nearby communities, Chris’s says his mission is to stay vigilant and improve their force’s preparedness.

While there are 40 years of experience between me and my two sergeants, our patrol officers have only about 5 each. We all run scenarios in the simulator but those patrol officers see the most benefit. It’s a really good way to get them the exposure they need.

We’re benefiting from the training because we’re not losing bodies due to lack of exposure. We had an officer leave because they didn’t feel like they didn’t have enough experience and come back because of the new training.

The next step for Atoka PD? Chris says they plan on expanding their use of the V-100 to assist them with connecting with their community. By publicly demonstrating training methods within simulator scenarios, Atoka PD hopes to improve trust with community stakeholders and offer better transparency for their agency.

Additionally, the team will lean heavily on the simulator’s de-escalation and mental health crisis scenarios for their CIT trainings. With a youth mental health crisis in full force nationwide, Atoka PD’s focus will be on preparing officers with the necessary skills to provide better outcomes among its community’s youth. Learn more about VirTra’s mental health scenario training here.

 

VirTra offers a range of law enforcement training simulators tailored to meet the diverse needs of police departments. Each type of simulator provides realistic training environments, allowing officers to enhance both their decision-making and marksmanship skills.

The comparison chart can help agencies choose the right simulator based on key features such as the number of screens, scenario libraries, and the inclusion of V-VICTA® coursework, which is certified by IADLEST. The simulators range from the portable V-100® to the advanced V-300®, with varied options for sound effects, marksmanship courses, and add-ons like recoil kits and less-lethal training.

All screened simulators are eligible for the STEP program. STEP offers law enforcement agencies a cost-effective solution through a monthly subscription. The program includes regular maintenance, service, updates, and new scenarios to ensure the technology remains current. Additionally, VirTra offers a risk-free, 12-month trial—if the agency isn’t satisfied, the simulator will be picked up with no questions asked.

Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly option or a high-end system, VirTra’s training solutions support comprehensive officer development, improving both skills and knowledge in realistic, interactive settings. For more detailed information, agencies can consult with a specialist to determine the best fit for their training needs.

The International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association (ILEETA) continues to set the gold standard for law enforcement training with its annual conference, a six-day event that brings together instructors and experts from around the globe. The 2025 ILEETA Training Conference and Expo, held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel, offered over 100 specialized courses designed to enhance the skills and safety of criminal justice practitioners. This year, VirTra’s Lon Bartel and TJ Alioto stood out as key presenters, delivering impactful sessions that underscored ILEETA’s mission to reduce law enforcement risks through advanced training.

ILEETA: A Hub for Law Enforcement Excellence

Founded in 2003 by Ed Nowicki, ILEETA is dedicated to equipping law enforcement trainers with cutting-edge tools and techniques to improve officer performance and community safety. The annual conference is a cornerstone of this mission, offering an unparalleled opportunity for instructors to network, share knowledge, and refine their teaching methods. With training tracks ranging from use of force to instructor development and defensive tactics, the conference is a comprehensive resource for those committed to professional growth.

Beyond the formal instruction, the ILEETA Expo showcases the latest advancements in law enforcement technology and services, providing attendees with actionable insights they can bring back to their agencies. As Todd Fletcher, an ILEETA advisory board member, aptly put it, “The ILEETA conference is the single best training event of the year. It recharges my batteries year after year.”

Lon Bartel: Bridging Science and Practice

Lon Bartel, Principal Researcher at VirTra and a certified use-of-force analyst with over 20 years of law enforcement experience, brought his expertise to multiple sessions at this year’s conference. His course *Graham v. Connor: A New View* provided attendees with a high-fidelity re-enactment of the events leading to the landmark Supreme Court case. Participants analyzed legal precedents and tested their decision-making skills in simulated scenarios, gaining a deeper understanding of how Graham v. Connor continues to shape use-of-force policies today.

Bartel also taught *My Story: Kyle Dinkheller*, a sobering session that revisited the tragic 1998 shooting of Deputy Kyle Dinkheller. By dissecting tactical considerations and lessons learned from this incident, Bartel helped attendees strengthen their critical thinking skills for high-risk encounters. His ability to translate complex legal and tactical concepts into practical training underscores his reputation as a leader in simulation-based education.

In addition to his courses, Bartel participated in the highly anticipated Use of Force panel discussion alongside other industry experts. This panel delved into the challenges of contextualizing use-of-force training, emphasizing the need for realistic, scenario-based exercises that go beyond “check-the-box” approaches. Bartel’s insights highlighted the importance of connecting knowledge with physical action under stress—an approach he has championed throughout his career.

TJ Alioto: Championing Autism Awareness

Salvatore “TJ” Alioto, another standout presenter from VirTra, leveraged his 27 years of law enforcement experience to teach *Autism: A Guide for First Responders*. This course equipped attendees with practical strategies for identifying signs of autism and effectively communicating with individuals on the spectrum. Through immersive simulated scenarios, participants practiced de-escalation techniques tailored to this unique population.

Alioto’s session addressed a critical gap in law enforcement training by fostering empathy and understanding among officers who may encounter individuals with autism in high-stress situations. His commitment to bridging this gap reflects ILEETA’s broader goal of enhancing community relations through specialized instruction.

ILEETA’s Impact on Law Enforcement Training

The 2025 ILEETA conference exemplified why it remains a must-attend event for law enforcement trainers worldwide. By offering diverse courses that address both foundational skills and emerging challenges, ILEETA ensures its members are equipped to meet the evolving demands of their profession.

For presenters like Lon Bartel and TJ Alioto, ILEETA provides a platform to share their expertise while advancing innovative approaches to officer training. Whether analyzing landmark legal cases or fostering inclusivity through autism awareness, their contributions embody the spirit of continuous improvement that defines ILEETA.

As law enforcement agencies face increasing scrutiny and complex societal challenges, organizations like ILEETA play an essential role in preparing trainers—and by extension, officers—to navigate these dynamics effectively. The lessons learned at this year’s conference will undoubtedly ripple outward, shaping safer practices and stronger communities across the globe.

Fourth Quarter Bookings Grow 37% Sequentially to $12.2 Million

Year-End Backlog Expands to $22.0 Million

 

CHANDLER, Ariz. — March 27, 2025 — VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI) (“VirTra” or the “Company”), a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators and firearms training simulators for the law enforcement and military markets, reported results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024. The financial statements are available on VirTra’s website and here.

Fourth Quarter 2024 and Recent Operational Highlights:

• Fourth quarter bookings totaled $12.2 million, a 37% increase from Q3 2024, with a significant portion recorded in December, positioning VirTra for revenue conversion in early 2025.
• Backlog grew to $22.0 million as of December 31, 2024, reflecting continued sales momentum despite federal funding delays.
• Secured contracts with government and law enforcement agencies in Europe and Latin America, reinforcing VirTra’s expansion in international government and security training programs.
• Secured first sale of the V-XR® training platform in Canada, marking early adoption of the Company’s extended reality training technology.
• Maintained robust working capital at $34.8 million, positioning the Company for sustained growth and operational agility.

 

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Highlights:

*The December 31, 2023 full-year column reflects restated financials.

+The adjusted EBITDA calculation for the three months ended December 31, 2024  gives effect to a negative $750,000 revenue adjustment.

Management Commentary

VirTra CEO John Givens stated, “We closed out 2024 with strong bookings momentum and an expanding backlog despite persistent challenges in the federal funding environment. Bookings increased sequentially each quarter in 2024, demonstrating our ability to navigate the constraints of the federal government’s Continuing Resolution and the resulting delays in contract execution. While we remain encouraged by our growing backlog and international traction, the broader funding environment remains fluid, and we are actively working with policymakers to ensure law enforcement agencies can access critical training resources. Over the past several months, we have met with dozens of legislators, officials at the Department of Justice, and leadership in federal grant offices to advocate for clearer funding structures that prioritize modern training systems. As a trusted partner for Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Secret Service, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC), we remain focused on expanding our role in federal law enforcement training initiatives.

“We are also advancing our military initiatives, with key milestones in the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) program. Our final IVAS development phase was completed 42 days ahead of schedule, leading the Army to finalize testing early and forgo previously planned soldier assessments due to our system’s outstanding performance. The transition of IVAS to Anduril, one of the most capable defense technology firms with a well-established track record in Department of Defense contracting, is a significant positive development. We are actively conducting reliability testing on recoil kits as part of the final prototyping phase and remain confident in our continued involvement, strategically positioning us to effectively support future production-stage opportunities.

“While our sales pipeline has improved, we recognize that there is still work to be done to reach full efficiency. We are laser-focused on accelerating sales growth through a disciplined, strategic approach. This includes expanding and refining our sales organization, improving conversion efficiency, and deepening engagement across our core federal and military customer base. Additionally, we are leveraging AI to drastically reduce video editing time from days to minutes, accelerating high-quality content creation. Training content remains a key differentiator for VirTra, and our ability to rapidly expand and enhance our scenario library strengthens our position as the industry leader in immersive training.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate continued variability in federal funding cycles in the near term, but the long-term need for de-escalation and tactical training continues to expand. The steps we’ve taken to improve operational efficiency, deepen engagement with key federal agencies, and expand our content and scenario development capabilities provide a solid foundation as we navigate 2025.”

 

Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results

Total revenue for the fourth quarter was $5.4 million, compared to $10.9 million in the prior year period. This decrease reflects the impact of federal budget delays and grant disbursement pauses, which slowed contract execution and order conversion. While Q4 bookings saw strong sequential growth, many orders came late in the quarter, limiting the Company’s ability to fulfill and recognize revenue within the period.

For the full year 2024, total revenue was $26.4 million, compared to $38.8 million (as restated) in 2023. The decline reflects the impact of budget delays, resulting in softer bookings in early 2024 and delayed order conversion throughout the year.

Gross profit for the fourth quarter was $3.7 million (69% of total revenue), compared to $9.2 million (84% of total revenue) in the prior year period. The decline primarily reflects lower revenue.

For the full year 2024, gross profit totaled $19.4 million (74% of total revenue), compared to $27.4 million (as restated) (71% of total revenue) in 2023. This improvement in gross margin reflects a shift in product mix and operational efficiencies.

Net operating expense for the fourth quarter was $4.2 million, a 13% increase from $3.7 million in the prior year period. The increase was driven by investments in higher-level staff to support long-term growth, expanded sales and marketing efforts, and enhancements to IT infrastructure and compliance for current and future contracts.

For the full year 2024, net operating expense was $17.4 million, compared to $17.0 million in 2023.

Operating (loss) income for the fourth quarter was $(0.5) million, compared to $1.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For the full year 2024, operating income was $2.0 million, compared to $10.4 million in 2023.

Net (loss) income for the fourth quarter was $(0.9) million, or $(0.08) per diluted share (based on 11.2 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding), compared to $3.5 million, or $0.32 per diluted share (based on 11.0 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding), in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For the full year 2024, net income was $1.4 million, or $0.12 per diluted share (based on 11.2 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding), compared to net income of $9.2 million (as restated), or $0.85 per diluted share (based on 11.0 million weighted average diluted shares outstanding), in 2023.

Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric, was ($1.8) million (which included the $750,000 negative revenue adjustment), compared to $3.0 million in the fourth quarter of 2023.

For the full year 2024, adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP metric, was $2.9 million, compared to $12.4 million in 2023.

Cash and cash equivalents were $18.0 million at December 31, 2024.

 

Financial Commentary

CFO Alanna Boudreau stated, “We saw strong momentum in Q4 bookings, with many orders coming late in the quarter. While the timing limited revenue recognition in the period, it contributed to a growing $22.0 million backlog that positions us well for future revenue growth. Full-year 2024 results included a one-time revenue adjustment related to a 2021 international sale, which reduced reported 2024 revenue and increased 2023 results. Additionally, net operating expense included a $275,000 lease settlement tied to a legacy facility contract. Both adjustments were necessary to properly align financial reporting and have now been addressed. Looking ahead, we remain focused on managing costs effectively, increasing operational efficiency even further, and converting backlog into revenue as market conditions evolve. With a $22.0 million backlog, scalable operational infrastructure, and an expanding international pipeline and footprint, we are well-positioned to benefit as opportunities emerge.”

 

Conference Call

VirTra’s management will hold a conference call today (March 27, 2025) at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time (1:30 p.m. Pacific time) to discuss these results. VirTra’s Chief Executive Officer John Givens and Chief Financial Officer Alanna Boudreau will host the call, followed by a question-and-answer period.

U.S. dial-in number: 1-877-407-9208

International number: 1-201-493-6784

Conference ID: 13751824

Please call the conference telephone number 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. An operator will register your name and organization. If you have any difficulty connecting with the conference call, please contact Gateway Investor Relations at 949-574-3860.

The conference call will be broadcast live and available for replay here and via the investor relations section of the Company’s website.

A replay of the call will be available after 7:30 p.m. Eastern time on the same day through April 10, 2025.

Toll-free replay number: 1-844-512-2921

International replay number: 1-412-317-6671

Replay ID: 13751824

 

About VirTra, Inc.

VirTra (Nasdaq: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms 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 practical and highly effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.

 

About the Presentation of Adjusted EBITDA

Adjusted earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation, and amortization and before other non-operating costs and income (“Adjusted EBITDA”) is a non-GAAP financial measure. Adjusted EBITDA also includes non-cash stock option expense and other than temporary impairment loss on investments. Other companies may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently. VirTra calculates its Adjusted EBITDA to eliminate the impact of certain items it does not consider to be indicative of its performance and its ongoing operations. Adjusted EBITDA is presented herein because management believes the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to VirTra’s investors regarding VirTra’s financial condition and results of operations and because Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by securities analysts, investors, and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in VirTra’s industry, several of which present a form of Adjusted EBITDA when reporting their results. Adjusted EBITDA has limitations as an analytical tool and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of VirTra’s results as reported under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”). Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative for net income, cash flows from operating activities and other consolidated income or cash flows statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. A reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the following tables:

Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this discussion contains forward-looking statements and information within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections. The words “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “projects,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “would” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. We may not actually achieve the plans, intentions or expectations disclosed in our forward-looking statements and you should not place undue reliance on our forward-looking statements. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements that we make. The forward-looking statements are applicable only as of the date on which they are made, and we do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements in this document are made based on our current expectations, forecasts, estimates and assumptions, and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, uncertainties and risks that could affect our future results or operations. These factors, uncertainties and risks may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statement set forth in the reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You should carefully consider these risks and uncertainties described and other information contained in the reports we file with or furnish to the SEC before making any investment decision with respect to our securities. All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

 

Investor Relations Contact:

Matt Glover and Alec Wilson

Gateway Group, Inc.

[email protected]

949-574-3860

 

– Financial Tables to Follow –

VIRTRA, INC.

CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS

 

VIRTRA, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

VIRTRA, INC.

CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

So, You Want to Create a Nationally Certified Police Training Course?

First of all, kudos to you! The law enforcement community needs people like you. Creating training directly impacts the readiness of officers in the field and the safety of their communities. Plus, new training is a key factor in recruiting and retaining officers, which is a major hurdle facing many police agencies. But do you know what you’re getting yourself into? There’s a reason not every cop is a cop educator. This process takes time, patience, money, and a whole lot of effort. Let’s dig in.

 

The Long Road Ahead

Pre-work: Develop the skills and expertise in the topic area. Is it a specialized area that requires specialized skills, knowledge, ability? Ensure it is within your scope of expertise or you have access to the subject mater experts to assist you. 

The Costs

Creating police training can add up to a significant sum. Research shows that developing one hour of instructor-led training can take anywhere from 43 to 185 hours, depending on complexity. That means a 100-hour curriculum could take between 4,300 and 18,500 hours, or cost an agency $229,000 to $555,000 in labor alone.

(If you’re looking for a cost-effective, ready-to-go solution, V-VICTA delivers 100 hours of POST-certified, training, without the overwhelming development burden. Learn more: https://www.virtra.com/overview-le/v-victa-training/)

Understand the Standards
Before you do anything, you need to familiarize yourself with the IADLEST National Certification Program (NCP) standards. These guidelines determine if your course is rigorous, relevant, and meets instructor qualifications. Also, conduct a needs assessment. Figure out knowledge gaps and align your course with real-world law enforcement challenges. Don’t forget legal and ethical compliance. Your curriculum must meet your state and federal training requirements, which are often available on state POST websites.

Build a Strong Foundation
It may help to follow an instructional design model like instructional design model like ADDIE to guide your process. Think of curriculum development like building a house: start with the foundation before adding specialized content. The design model you choose does not matter as much as the fact that you follow one. This will reduce the burden of organizing the course material.

 

Testing & Instructional Materials

Assess Learning Effectiveness
A great course requires teaching AND performance measurement. That means:

• Pre-tests to assess baseline knowledge.
• Post-tests to measure retention (use scenario-based, not just multiple-choice).
• Rubrics for consistent evaluation.

Equip Instructors
At every stage, think about how easy it will be for other instructors to deliver your course. That means an instructor guide is a MUST: clear learning objectives, discussion points, and engagement strategies.

• PowerPoint slides should be concise and visual—no walls of text! Ask yourself, Would a Gen Z officer in training stay engaged in the presentation? Would I?
• Workbooks with bullet points help officers remember key concepts and take notes.

 

Hands-On Learning & Police Curriculum Certification

Keep It Real with Scenarios
The best learning happens through experience. Use hands-on instruction like:

• Live role-playing exercises
• Simulator training

Consider any real-world situations you’ve experienced where you had to apply the knowledge being taught. These can provide an excellent foundation for your course’s scenarios.
To increase knowledge retention, consider a structured debriefing to help officers process and apply what they’ve learned.

 

Get Certified
Before launching, get feedback from subject matter experts (SMEs) to ensure accuracy: colleagues, published experts, and any mentors that have relevant experience. Then, pilot test your course to fine-tune pacing and content. Assuming all went smoothly, next you can:

• Submit a detailed certification package to IADLEST.
• Be prepared for revisions!

 

Launch, Evaluate & Improve Your Police Curriculum

Train & Engage Instructors

Your instructors should facilitate discussions, encourage critical thinking, and keep officers engaged. If you gained any valuable insights while piloting the course, now is the time to share them with your training team. Ensure your instructors are equipped with the necessary tools to make the training effective and impactful.

Track Performance & Maintain

• Collect participant feedback to refine training.
• Conduct an annual review to update content for new laws & best practices.
• Keep detailed records for compliance and certification renewal.

Bottom line? Writing a police curriculum is a marathon, not a sprint. But if you see it through, you’ll help officers develop critical skills to serve their communities.

 

Need a Shortcut? We’ve Got You Covered

If you made it this far, congratulations! We look forward to seeing your course certification announcement on IADLEST social media. Now, go get some much-needed rest. We certainly needed some!

Creating a training course or police curriculum is time-consuming, costly, and complex. Even with an in-house team like at VirTra, it’s a heavy lift.

If you’re crunched for time and budget, skip the hassle and use our ready-to-use curriculum. It’s:

• Fully developed with rubrics, tests, presentations, videos & case law.
• POST-certified and ready to use on Day One.
• FREE with every VirTra simulator

V-VICTA is how VirTra gives back to the law enforcement training community. Because nothing should stand between you and training your officers.

Learn more: https://www.virtra.com/overview-le/v-victa-training/

 

Sources:

Chapman, B. (2010). How Long Does it Take to Create Learning? [Research Study]. Published by Chapman Alliance LLC.

Karl M. Kapp, Robyn A Defelice. “Time to Develop One Hour of Training.” ATD, 31 Aug. 2009. Web. 31 Jan. 2017.

High-Impact Training Technology Tools that Fly Under The Radar

At its foundation, VirTra is a technology company – its mission is that of high quality training. While the V-300 and our vast selection of recoil kits have made waves in the training industry, several lesser-known innovations pack just as much punch. Here are three VirTra technologies you may not have heard about.

 

Low Light Devices

Most crimes occur at in diminished light. If first responders will be spending a significant portion of their time on the job in darkness, shouldn’t their simulator training reflect that? So, our team developed a flashlight set designed to function seamlessly within VirTra simulators. These devices replicate commonly used tactical flashlights, such as the SureFire® G2X™ and the Streamlight® TLR-7™, but with internal components replaced by a sensor and microprocessor system. This system interfaces with the simulator, dynamically adjusting screen visibility based on where the “lights” are pointed. The result is a smooth, immersive experience that prepares first responders for real-world low-light situations.

 

Non-Guns

Non-guns aren’t flashy. They don’t turn heads in the mat room. But they are incredibly useful. Non-guns, or blue guns, are inert, detailed firearm replicas, often colored bright blue or orange, with no moving parts. So why would you want to use them when drop-in laser recoil kits provide a much more realistic training experience?

Non-guns unlock training in environments where the use of actual firearms would be improper or harmful, such as schools, community centers, hospitals, and any setting involving people who may be uncomfortable with weapons. They also provide a quick and convenient training option in locations with strict armory policies that require reservations, paperwork, or lengthy approval processes. For these reasons, VirTra offers non-gun replicas. As an added benefit, VirTra non-guns integrate fully within our simulators.

 

V-XR Mimic

How do you create a realistic communication experience in extended reality? To fulfill V-XR’s promise of the next evolution in soft skills training, a way to simulate unpredictable suspect interactions was needed.

To accomplish this, V-XR allows instructors to disguise their voices in real time, making the altered voice appear as though it is coming from a character within the virtual environment. Whether simulating an aggravated bodybuilder or a nervous teenager, this technology delivers an incredibly convincing experience. Now, police, military, and other trainers can forgo the costs of scenario actors while still providing high-impact training.

 

Training that gets the details right

VirTra’s lesser-known technologies may not always steal the spotlight, but they play a crucial role in enhancing realism and versatility in training. From low-light simulation to non-guns and voice-mimicking VR, these innovations ensure first responders are better prepared for real-world scenarios.

 

Looking to enhance your training with cutting-edge technology?

Non-guns and low-light devices are available as upgrades for VirTra simulator users! Contact our team to learn more about purchasing options.

“Some skills are like riding a bike: once you learn, you never forget!”

Sure, some skills stay longer than others, but try riding a bike after 8 years without practice! You’ll find most skills degrade with time. In fact, research on combat lifesaving skills shows that proficiency can decline by 30% to 60% within just six months of initial training. (Landman, de Vries, & Binsch, 2023)

 

The Cost of Insufficient Police Training

This phenomenon poses a challenge to law enforcement. We’ve seen the consequences of officers not being prepared with the necessary skills when a situation demands them. Several court cases serve as harrowing examples of what happens when retraining isn’t a priority:

• City of Canton v. Harris (1989): Established that failure to train officers in medical care resulted in deliberate indifference, making the city liable for damages.
  • Connick v. Thompson (2011): Reinforced the necessity of training in specific legal obligations to prevent constitutional violations.

Agencies often must do more with less. Some police agencies conduct ongoing training twice a year. It is argued – there simply isn’t enough time for short-staffed police departments to dedicate more time to retraining existing skills. Plus, time at the shooting range is expensive, and training with scenario actors is doubly so.  Can we do “more” with the “less” we already have?

 

Bridging the Training Gap with Simulation

If two of the most important types of training are perishable and out of reach to train more frequently, how can law enforcement get the skills they need to protect safely?

One of VirTra’s primary missions is to make it easy and cost-effective to train frequently. You can learn more about how we achieve this here: [link] But the real credit goes to some of VirTra’s customers, who have found creative ways to operationalize continued learning.

 

Real-World Success Stories

Utah Attorney General’s Office acquired a V-300 simulator in 2015 and opened its doors to local departments, becoming a “training hub” for many agencies. Because of their efforts, officers statewide can easily access the office’s award-winning autism curriculum and refine their communication skills.

Gilbert PD broke down traditional barriers between types of training. Departments usually take a segmented approach to scenario and marksmanship drills, but Sgt. Bill Campbell, Gilbert PD’s Training Sergeant for the Gilbert Police Academy, explored drills that integrate this training in a simulated environment. By conducting exercises that train both decision-making and marksmanship, Sgt. Campbell made their process more engaging to younger officers and increased skill retention.

 

Making Frequent Police Training a Reality

No matter how you do it, solutions that increase training frequency and proficiency greatly benefit law enforcement. And simulator training opens up many options to accomplish this.

Ready to take your training to the next level? Contact our team and schedule a FREE demo to explore how simulation training can improve skill retention and officer preparedness.

 

 

Source:

Landman A, de Vries D, Binsch O. Retention of military combat lifesaving skills during six months following classroom-style and individualized-style initial training. Mil Psychol. 2023 Nov-Dec;35(6):590-602. doi: 10.1080/08995605.2022.2144034. Epub 2022 Dec 2. PMID: 37903163; PMCID: PMC10617377.

 

 

Visit Booth #200 to Experience Why the Most Elite in Law Enforcement Rely on VirTra’s Immersive Training 

The Border Security Expo is in a league of its own. No other law enforcement conference brings together so many top innovators dedicated to solving border security challenges. VirTra is proud to sponsor this event and contribute cutting-edge training simulator technology to support efforts to secure the US’s borders.

What You’ll Experience at Our Booth

 

V-XR Extended Reality Headset 

You haven’t experienced virtual training like this before!

V-XR puts officers in reality-based situations to help them learn life-saving skills. Our team has prepared a host of new scenarios designed to prepare border agents for the challenges they’ll likely face on the job, training skills such as: 

• Effective communication with language barriers and translators 

• De-escalation techniques 

• Threat pattern recognition 

With human characters that set the industry standard for realism and interactivity, it’s an essential training tool that you’ll want to try for yourself.  

 

V-300 5-Screen Training Simulator 

It wouldn’t be a VirTra event without our acclaimed room-scale simulators. This year, our team is pulling out all the stops and bringing the flagship V-300.  

• Unmatched ballistic accuracy for marksmanship training that translates to real-world performance 

• Immersive scenario training with electric consequence devices 

• A 300-degree field of view