TEMPE, Ariz. — April 28, 2020 — VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI) (“VirTra”), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, has released new V-VICTA (VirTra Virtual Interactive Coursework Training Academy) training curriculum designed to help law enforcement professionals bridge the communication gap and interact more effectively, and positively, with individuals with autism. To develop the Autism Awareness simulation training program, VirTra partnered with the renowned experts at SARRC (Southwest Autism Research and Resource Center).
This first-of-its-kind curriculum and virtual reality scenarios, include actors diagnosed with autism as well as modules covering a variety of topics, including recognition, communication strategies and best practices for law enforcement officers.
According to the most recent data from the CDC, 1 in 54 children are diagnosed with autism in the United States, and estimates suggests that 50,000 teens with autism transition into adulthood each year. The growing number of diagnoses and increasing population indicate that it is highly likely that a law enforcement officer will come into contact with someone on the autism spectrum.
“I think helping police officers understand the social differences with people with autism that they might interact with is what’s really critical,” says Dr. Daniel Openden, president and CEO of SARRC. “Usually training stops at talking to people, not practice with feedback, and so I go back to what I said earlier: Knowledge-based didactic training for police officers is good if we want to increase knowledge, but if we really want to change behavior and interactions out on the street, then we have to do behavior-based training. That’s what they built into the technology, and that’s what’s really going to make a difference.”
The V-VICTA curriculum was designed by VirTra’s in-house subject matter experts and SARRC professionals, and has been previewed and beta tested by some of VirTra’s current law enforcement customers. Both the written lesson plan and simulator scenarios were reviewed extensively by various members of law enforcement around the country.
Chief Allen Muma of Jerome Police Department, Arizona, who tested the curriculum, commented: “I just fell in love with it. VirTra is forward-looking. It’s not just shoot/don’t shoot. Now, they’re offering scenarios and more training, so you get this auditory or visual learning from watching it, but then you get that kinesthetic learning from actually practicing what you just learned, which actually is proven to hold in your mind longer.”
Lon Bartel, Director of Training and Curriculum at VirTra, added: “We hope that by offering this new curriculum, officers will be better equipped to handle an encounter with autistic persons. If we can educate officers so that they know what signs and behaviors to look for, and how to respond appropriately, then we will reach better outcomes.”
The Autism Awareness curriculum has been added to VirTra’s ever-expanding library and is available to customers with VOS® 4.6 or later and will be delivered during their Annual Service Visit if they are on a current plan that provides one. For more information about this cutting-edge curriculum, visit VirTra’s autism training information page here.
About SARRC
Established in 1997, the Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) is an internationally recognized nonprofit that conducts innovative research, provides evidence-based practices, disseminates effective training and builds inclusive communities for individuals with autism and their families. SARRC is dedicated to autism research, education, evidence-based treatment, and community outreach. Additionally, SARRC is one of the only autism organizations in the world that provides a lifetime of services for individuals and their families while also conducting cutting edge research.
About VirTra
VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) is a global provider of judgmental use of force training simulators, firearms training simulators and driving 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.
Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover or Charlie Schumacher
VTSI@gatewayir.com
949-574-3860
VirTra’s Training Simulators Teach Judgmental Use of Force
With an increase in active shooters and similar threats, law enforcement personnel have an increased responsibility to protect their communities. VirTra’s firearms training simulators are an excellent way to prepare for this growing problem. Each comprehensive and immersive simulation can prepare officers for the different variables associated with attacks—both common and rare.
Active Shooters in the United States: A Growing Threat
In 2018, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) recognized twenty-seven active shooter incidents across 16 states. As a result of these incidents, eighty-five people were killed—including two law enforcement officers—and another 128 people were wounded, excluding the shooters. The total number of active shooter incidents has significantly increased since 2013, which was 17 events, and 2000, which was 1 event. As the threat of active shooters and active killers becomes increasingly prevalent, law enforcement must undergo additional training to mitigate these threats.
300-Degree Views of Active Shooter Situations
VirTra presents several firearms training simulators to law enforcement as a method of increasing their reaction time and skill. With active shooters, it is imperative for first responders to evaluate their surroundings and formulate the best course of action. The V-300® firearms training simulator is the higher standard, as police learn to analyze each situation from all angles. This includes evaluating the number of bystanders, obstacles near the subject, animals and more. At VirTra, we believe the best way to train police is by immersing them in the action.
Utilizing Cutting Edge of Realistic Visuals and Audio
Recognizing and interpreting details is crucial in training. Successful law enforcement agents know how to navigate a situation without becoming distracted by excess noise. In training, attention to audio is combined with attention to visual details, primarily facial cues, stance and other forms of nonverbal communication. VirTra’s firearms training simulators immerse participants in scenarios through high-resolution video and multi-directional audio, thus mimicking reality. High-end training content translates into a more experienced team.
Heightening Realism with Return-Fire Training Tool
Each scenario can be incredibly realistic, even beyond real-world visuals and audio cues. This new level of immersion is created through Threat-Fire®, which simulates hostile actions including gunfire, explosions, run down vehicles and dog attacks. The adjustable electric impulse setting of 0.02 to 2.5 seconds is enough to add real-world consequences that greatly enhance the effectiveness of simulation training.
Learning to React and Take Control Through Simulations
VirTra’s training simulators focus on teaching proper decision-making and judgmental use of force in high-stress situations. Once law enforcement officers understand and practice basic protocols in the simulation, they are better equipped to react to, disarm and incapacitate active threats in the field.
Creating a Safer America with De-Escalation Training
As the threat of active shooters permeates society, law enforcement officials need to adjust training accordingly. The best way to alleviate public fear is by investing in training that properly prepares your department. Firearms training simulators from VirTra are instrumental in improving defenses against active shooters, thereby maximizing public and law enforcement safety. Contact VirTra to learn more about how you can improve your team’s defenses against an active threat.
This month, VirTra will debut its new V-VICTA® curriculum. The release is being announced at the 2019 ALERRT Conference in Colorado. This annual event focuses on the 20th anniversary of the Columbine massacre. ALERRT, or Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training, provides information and training for first responders. VirTra will be participating in the conference as one of ALERRT’s platinum vendors.
The new curriculum is called ATAK, an acronym for Active Threat/Active Killer. The course goal is to prepare first responders for active threat situations. A critical element of ATAK training is distinguishing between what is an active threat and what isn’t. Upon completion of the course, students will understand the tactics used during an active threat and why they are different than the strategies used in a non-active situation.
Active Shooter Statistics
Data published in 2018 shows an increasing number of active shooter incidents in the United States, with a peak of 30 incidents in 2017 (Statista Research Department, 2019). According to FBI data released earlier this year, there were 27 active shooter situations in 2018, leading to 213 casualties (Active shooter incidents in the United States in 2018, 2019). Due to these trends, VirTra believes it is necessary to have specific training courses to prepare officers for active threat situations.
Similar to other VirTra scenarios and courses, ATAK content is based on real-life incidents. Looking at the 1999 Columbine High School massacre and the 2008 Mumbai attacks, students will be able to take away critical lessons and use them as preparation for future attacks.
Active Shooter Training Curriculum
This first volume of ATAK will have an estimated completion time of three hours and best suits a class of eight participants. It will consist of a lecture, simulation scenario event training, and pre- and post-tests. The recommended eight participants should be placed in pairs when scenarios take place for maximum effect. Instructors may pair it with other courses such as the “Tourniquet Application Under Threat” course for supplemental techniques and skills.
V-VICTA® Training Simulation (ATAK)
Like previous V-VICTA® curriculum, ATAK will come with a training manual that includes note taking materials and a scoring rubric for instructors. Students are evaluated based on their ability to perform the required skillsets. Instructors monitor performance within two immersive scenarios. VirTra recommends repeating the scenarios until students “pass” by taking the correct actions. Another helpful trick is letting them watch other pairs complete the scenario, which allows students to learn by example.
To stay up-to-date with the trend of active threat situations, it is crucial to prepare officers. These events are unexpected and daunting, requiring training in advance. Frequent and accurate preparation increases the goal of minimizing the damage done by the threat as much and as quickly as possible.
Stay safe, train hard.
References:
- Active shooter incidents in the United States in 2018. (2019, April 10). Retrieved from FBI: https://www.fbi.gov/file-repository/active-shooter-incidents-in-the-us-2018-041019.pdf/view
- Statista Research Department. (2019, May 8). Number of active shooter incidents in the United States from 2000 to 2018. Retrieved from Statista: https://www.statista.com/statistics/324995/active-shooter-incidents-in-the-us/
TEMPE, Ariz. — June 13, 2019 — VirTra, Inc. (NASDAQ: VTSI) (“VirTra”), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, will be exhibiting at the upcoming 2019 NSA Annual Conference, which is being held June 15-18, 2019 in Louisville, KY. The 2019 National Sheriffs’ Association Education and Technology Expo showcases the best technology and education available to a network of thousands of sheriffs across the country.
At the Expo, VirTra will demo new V-VICTA (VirTra-Virtual Interactive Coursework Training Academy) scenarios and exercises in the company’s flagship V-300LE (V-300 Law Enforcement) simulator. V-VICTA programs are the only mode of simulation training that meets the standards set forth by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST). The V-300 was the first five-screen simulator introduced to the market in 2004, and it remains the industry standard for decision-making simulation and tactical firearms training.
VirTra will also introduce new offerings for its Subscription Training Equipment and Partnership (STEP) program at the expo. STEP, which VirTra launched in January 2019, is the industry’s only simulation subscription deployment plan. STEP allows law enforcement agencies to train with VirTra’s programs and equipment in a more flexible and economical manner than previously available. Under the program, agencies may subscribe to VirTra’s certified coursework and unique training scenarios in either monthly or annual installments.
“The 2019 NSA Conference provides us with a unique opportunity to showcase our full suite of products and to demonstrate their capabilities to a large number of industry experts,” said Jason Mulcahy, VirTra General Manager. “The combination of our multi-screen, judgmental use of force simulators, our certified curriculum, our patented Threat-Fire® device, and our recoil kits creates a realistic and immersive environment that is unparalleled in the industry. This combination is unique in its ability to improve the accuracy, communication skills, and overall efficacy of law enforcement officers. We believe our current suite of products is our most effective to date, and we look forward to the opportunity to demo it at NSA.”
To see how the V-300LE pairs with VirTra’s V-VICTA coursework and STEP program, please stop by booth #329 for a brief demo or visit step.virtra.com.
About VirTra:
VirTra (NASDAQ: VTSI) 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 practical and highly-effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.
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Media Contact:
Susan Lehman
Slehman@virtra.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover or Charlie Schumacher
VTSI@gatewayir.com
949-574-3860
The next chapter of the recently launched V-VICTA program is here! This new set of scenarios are called High-Risk Vehicle Stop: Communication to Custody (HRVS). The training material covers a 6.5 hours course certified by IADLEST under the V-VICTA Program. Here’s what you can expect to see in these new scenarios once installed on your next annual service trip:
A New Perspective
This new batch of seven scenarios was built with never before seen technology to merge real assets like an actual vehicle into the mix of scenario-based training. The multi-screen simulators have an added unique feature of perspective inside of the squad vehicle. From a seated position or standing behind the squad car inside the simulator, officers can practice proper muzzle discipline and even walk the subjects through the various steps to keep both the officers and subjects safe. You can check out a sneak peek of a scenario in progress in the below video.
Walk Through the Demo
The new HRVS material shown above is ideal for multiple trainees working and communicating together in each situation. With hundreds of paths to resolution, trainees can have various training points and assailants to deal with along the way. The format also allows and encourages short sessions of high yield booster training – interval training methods. As you see the officer clear the vehicle, each person can be arrested by walking them back to you, or prone them out depending on your local standards.
Surprises Around Every Corner
These seven new scenarios offer a unique combination of training points previously unavailable, including what to do when one of the subjects runs from the vehicle. By going through the scenario, students will learn the right way to react when approaching an HRVS and any surprises that might be lurking out of sight from the officer’s perspective. With multiple subjects to deal with at once, other important disciplines will need to be utilized to clear the vehicle successfully. For true to life training, those subjects might be defiant and have ideas on how to get away that trainees will need to provide verbal direction and control to avoid problems. The possibility of an ambush will be enough to keep any trainee on their toes, and with six and half hours of content to train with, trainers can replay the scenario to go through hundreds of branching options for
The newly introduced V-VICTA® (VirTra – Virtual Interactive Coursework Training Academy) is already making an impact for law enforcement training. VirTra has partnered with nationally recognized partners in their respected industries on the new law enforcement training curriculum and new scenarios to include experts like Haley Strategic, National Sheriffs’ Association, National Law Enforcement Center on Animal Abuse (NLECAA), Office of the Utah Attorney General, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC) Trijicon, and Vistelar just to name a few. We are proud to have these respected partners help develop the curriculum to adapt to what is needed by officers everywhere.
VirTra is ensuring integration of what leading science has discovered about Simulation and adult learning and woven it into all of our material, which maximizes the effects of training time and increased abilities. We strive to ensure that Peace Officers have the best opportunity to train and serve their communities better.
VirTra has taken the science behind teaching and training psychomotor skills and integrated it into a comprehensive and full solution training curriculum. These law enforcement training courses provide a complete solution and integrate the classroom, the simulator, and testing to ensure the best efforts in the long-term, to achieve consistent performance from the students.
Before having V-VICTA, our customers have stated that it took them anywhere from 25 hours to a full 40 hours to create just ONE hour of curriculum for their department. Now they have 20+ hours of curriculum ready for use. Here are what some of our amazing partners are saying about the how our newest law enforcement training tool is elevating their training methods to teach, train, test, and sustain their team for years to come:
“Our collaboration with VirTra enables students — outside the classroom — to do “fire drills” using our tactics in real-world simulations of verbal conflict.”
– Vistelar
“This innovative program provides a methodology to assist agencies in the initial training on the use of a Red Dot Optic, and also to facilitate the ongoing maintenance of the skills by allowing for structured performance enhancing “boosters.”
– Trijicon
“This course will give them much-needed tools to recognize and address possible conflict with dogs instead of simply shooting an animal.”
– National Sheriff’s Association
“The new scenarios were created with a breadth of training and educational options seen in the multiple branches. VirTra curriculum developers worked with us to create a platform for effectively teaching constitutional policing principles.”
– Ken Wallentine Special Agent, Utah Attorney General
V-VICTA comes included with your law enforcement system and provides a whole new level of training to help your trainers think outside the simulator and keep your team prepared for the unexpected. Even better, this is only the first volume to be released, and many more curriculum on crucial areas of training are still to come. Contact us to learn more about how you can add V-VICTA to your training curriculum.
TEMPE, Ariz. — September 25, 2018 — VirTra, Inc. (Nasdaq: VTSI), a global provider of training simulators for the law enforcement, military, educational and commercial markets, has officially launched V-VICTA™, an all-in-one solution designed to provide and support law enforcement training programs in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
V-VICTA, which stands for VirTra – Virtual Interactive Coursework Training Academy™, enables law enforcement agencies, through the use of our simulators to effectively teach, train, test and sustain departmental training requirements. The newly developed and nationally accredited coursework, when combined with the new VirTra Virtual Instructor™ (V-VI) and training scenarios, empowers trainers with immediate training program improvements.
The first volume of V-VICTA curriculum has met the standards set forth by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST) National Certification Program™ for POST Certification across 35 states yet recognized in all 50 states. These five products include “Contact and Cover Concepts,” “Human Factors in Force Encounters,” “Tourniquet Application Under Threat,” Axon® “TASER® Targeting,” and “Injured Officer Handgun Manipulation.” These curriculums have been thoroughly reviewed by IADLEST’s assessment team and have passed the rigorous independent review process.
“VirTra’s multi-year development efforts and industry-leading collaborations have resulted in a more robust training methodology where instructors are provided resources to alleviate any gaps, increase knowledge transfer and enhance the sustainability of the skill sets taught,” said company General Manager Jason Mulcahy. “VirTra has been on the cutting edge of advancements in law enforcement training as well as education for many years, and we believe V-VICTA is the next logical step in that progression. We look forward to working with our customers and partners in the coming months to maximize their success in working with this next-gen training resource.”
V-VICTA provides law enforcement trainers with the complementary accredited training components, including a master manual, student handouts, pre-testing material, and final exams. V-VICTA offers a unique and innovative alternative for a higher level of in-depth review at each training point. Additionally, throughout the simulation training, a Virtual Instructor is available with the relevant curriculum included within VirTra systems.
VirTra will be debuting V-VICTA at the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) in Orlando, Florida on October 7-9, 2018. Our nationally recognized partners will participate in a group presentation during the product unveiling. Some of our notable speakers include Dr. Bill Lewinski (Force Science Institute), Jim Crosby (National Sheriffs Association), Ken Wallentine (Utah Attorney General Office), Chief Tom Poellot (Vistelar) as well as other representations from Trijicon®, and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SARRC).
Together with our partners, VirTra is working to integrate specific scientific research and adult learning behaviors into its educational materials. This will maximize the impact of simulation training time and increase overall law enforcement capabilities. By taking the science behind training psychomotor skills and integrating it into a comprehensive curriculum, V-VICTA courses provide a complete solution combining the classroom, the simulator, and testing to ensure beneficial long-term results. VirTra strives to ensure that Peace Officers have the best opportunity to serve their communities.
To receive additional information or schedule a one-on-one meeting at IACP, please email training@virtra.com.
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 Form 10-Q 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 SEC. You should carefully consider these risk and uncertainties described and other information contained in the reports we file with or furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission 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.
About VirTra
VirTra (Nasdaq: VTSI) 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 practical and highly-effective virtual reality and simulator technology. Learn more about the company at www.VirTra.com.
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Media Contact:
VirTra
info@virtra.com
480-968-1488
Investor Relations Contact:
Matt Glover or Tom Colton
VTSI@liolios.com
949-574-3860