Tom Green County Sheriff's Office Unveils New Video Training System

SAN ANGELO, TX --  Law Enforcement Agencies from the 14 County Concho Valley Council of Governments have a new training tool in their arsenal as the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office demonstrated the new virtual training system Monday.

Sheriff David Jones said the new VIRTRA 180 firearms simulator training system was purchased through a grant and will be available for all local, state and federal law enforcement agencies.  

The VIRTRA is an advanced interactive video lifesize trainer with over 150 different scenarios which put officers in actual situations where they have to make split second decisions and each scenario has multiple versions and outcomes based upon the officer’s commands, responses and decisions.  

The trainer features three large screens and nitrogen operated weapons including a Glock 22 pistol and an M-4 tactical carbine.  The system is so precise that it shows where each round fired hit on the screens.  That ability will help officers determine how to better handle all types of situations.  

Sheriff’s office personnel demonstrated the system for the media Monday.  Then members of the media were allowed to participate in the real world simulations.  It is unsettling to say the least to have a life-sized assailant pull a gun and start shooting at you!

The VIRTRA 180 was purchased through the Concho Valley Council of Governments with a grant from Homeland Security.