Law enforcement agencies around the country are receiving budget cuts or defunding, and therefore looking for ways to decrease spending. There is one aspect that should absolutely not be skimped on, however, and that is officer training.
Just like the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” Chances are, if a judgmental use of force or de-escalation training solution is inexpensive and sounds too good to be true – it probably is. This sentiment is especially true for simulators, which come in all types, configurations, and of course, prices. When looking for the right training solution for your officers, going for the inexpensive option is likely putting your department at a disadvantage. Improper training can lead to lawsuits that would be much more expensive, and also reputation-damaging.
VirTra offers options for law enforcement agencies that struggle to pay outright for a simulator. We understand that not every department is equipped for a large upfront purchase, but we believe a price tag cannot be put on the value of superior immersive training.
S.T.E.P.
VirTra’s Subscription Training and Equipment Partnership (S.T.E.P.) is designed to be similar to a lease – allowing for monthly, quarterly or annual subscriptions rather than making an outright purchase. Your simulator and equipment will be kept up-to-date with new content and software updates as part of the agreement.
If at any point you are dissatisfied within the initial 12 months of the program, VirTra will cancel the subscription and pick up the training simulator and equipment with no fuss. We are confident this will not be the case, as we allow for complete package customization from everything to the number of screens to the type of content received, thus fitting every department’s needs
Grant Assistance
If you are familiar with the purchasing process in your city, county or department, you have likely heard of or applied for training grants. The application process can be tiring and it’s not always easy to find the perfect one that fits your agency’s needs.
By partnering with PoliceGrantsHelp, VirTra has created a Guide to Grants Funding that helps you get started on applying for federal, state and local grants. Not only will you get assistance looking for the right grant to apply for, but also help with the process of applying.
By taking some of the measures above, you can purchase or lease an effective use-of-force simulator without hurting your budget. For questions about any of the above information, contact a product specialist here.
