TEMPE, AZ -- (Marketwired) -- 10/17/14 -- VirTra Systems (PINKSHEETS: VTSI), a leading provider of use of force training and shooting simulators to military, law enforcement agencies and other organizations, today announced the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Training Bureau proudly unveiled VirTra V-300™ technology, which was recently added to enhance the officer safety training curriculum. This innovative and unique system is a 300-degree police firearms training simulator which immerses a single deputy or multiple deputies in real life scenarios a peace officer could face in the field. Members of the media were invited to the Biscailuz Center Training Academy in East Los Angeles to experience this training firsthand.
The media experience was put on by Tactics and Survival Training (TAS) Unit personnel regularly assigned to operate the VirTra V-300™ training simulator. Media representatives had the opportunity to be immersed in one of over 100 possible scenarios and make split-second decisions in their own traffic stop, observation, call to a location, or incident.
Scenarios possible in the V-300™ system include, but are not limited to: person with a gun, active shooter with multiple victims, officer ambush, domestic violence situations, and many other incidents a peace officer may face in day-to-day police work. What makes the V-300™ system unique is the realism of each scenario, including the critical simulation of return fire provided by the Threat-Fire™ device. In addition, each scenario can be selectively changed by the computer or may be modified by Tactics and Survival Training Unit staff. It is not a video game and the characters are real actors, not computer-generated.
The simulator consists of five interconnected screens which surround the participant in a 300-degree arena and display life-size actors. Sound equipment and a vibrating training platform add further dimensions of realistic sensations.
The system requires no safety equipment, although the simulated weapon system of the V-300™ uses real handguns, shotguns and rifles. The firearms were modified to be filled with compressed carbon dioxide instead of live ammunition. The release of carbon dioxide when the weapons are fired simulates recoiling action, adding a realistic feel to the scenario. The simulated weapon system includes the use of less lethal tools used in police work, such as TASER® or pepper spray. In some cases, the student can successfully navigate through a given scenario without deploying any weapons by simply communicating or giving the appropriate commands.
An unused utility room at the Biscailuz Center Training Academy was refurbished to house the VirTra V-300™ and create a classroom environment. While the training is realistic, the classroom setting is a reminder of the learning environment surrounding the V-300™.
The Tactics and Survival Unit (TAS) is one of seven components of the Training Bureau designed to provide academy recruits and in-service personnel with the most current, innovative, creative, and realistic learning experiences available to law enforcement.
TAS Unit instructors can program the V-300™ to dictate each scenario based on a series of "branches". Based on the students' responses, the system operator can select the appropriate scenario "branch" and make each scenario unique. The V-300™ also has several "play back" components that allow the TAS Unit instructor to review the students' performance.
The V-300™ will eventually be available to all sworn department personnel, but the TAS Unit's primary focus will be to prepare deputies for patrol and in-service training for Field Operations personnel. TAS Unit will eventually offer the use of the V-300™ to outside agencies for bilateral training.
"Enhancing our training practices with modern technology is essential in preparing our deputies to handle real life situations in their day to day work," said Los Angeles County Assistant Sheriff Todd Rogers.
"The newly acquired V-300™ training simulator utilizes life like 'shoot/don't shoot' scenarios to capture our effectiveness and help hone our skills," he added.
"We are honored by having our products selected by one of the largest Sheriff's Departments in the world," said Bob Ferris, CEO at VirTra.
"Our passion is creating the most effective simulation systems in the world. We are excited for the opportunity to provide tangible training benefits to Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputies who continue to provide excellent service to the citizens in which they serve," he added.
About VirTra Systems
VirTra is a global leading provider of the world's most realistic and effective use of force and firearm shooting simulators. VirTra is the higher standard in firearms training simulators, offering a variety of simulator platforms, powerful gas-powered recoil kits and the patented Threat-Fire™ simulated hostile return fire system. VirTra's products provide the very best simulation training available for personnel that are entrusted with lethal force and critical missions. The Company's common stock is not registered under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Company does not currently file periodic or other reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
www.VirTra.com
Forward-looking Statements
This news release includes certain information that may constitute forward-looking statements made pursuant to the safe harbor provision of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates," "proposed," "planned," "potential" and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including statements about VirTra's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Although VirTra believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. VirTra cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Accordingly, due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions inherent in forward-looking information, readers and prospective investors in the Company's securities should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. All forward-looking information contained in this press release is given as of the date hereof, is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at the date hereof and is subject to change. The Company assumes no obligation to revise or update forward-looking information to reflect new circumstances, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Investor Relations Counsel
Rudy R. Miller
Chairman, President & CEO
The Miller Group
www.themillergroup.net
tel: 602.225.0505
email: virtra@themillergroup.net
Public Relations Contact
Greg Sexton
The Lavidge Company
www.lavidge.com
(480) 998-2600
