By Police1 Staff
ATOKA, Tenn. -- The Atoka Police Department was recently gifted a VirTra V-100 public safety training simulator as part of the Taskforce Santa project, a collaborative effort between VirTra and the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), aimed at supporting law enforcement agencies with essential training tools.
The Atoka Police Department stood out among hundreds of applicants nationwide, showcasing a dire need for such advanced training equipment. The V-100 simulator will serve as a resource for Atoka PD and nearby small agencies in Tipton County, facilitating training in critical areas such as de-escalation, mental health response, active shooter scenarios and crisis interventions.
Atoka Police Chief Anthony Rudolph emphasized the simulator’s significance, stating, “This is a monumental step forward in our commitment to excellence in law enforcement training and community engagement. The V-100 simulator is not just a tool, it is a catalyst for positive change in how we approach policing in our community.”
The V-100 simulator is a versatile, portable single-screen training device designed to replicate real-life situations. It is equipped with less lethal tools, training pistols, and a comprehensive library of scenarios that mirror real encounters between officers and civilians. This setup allows for immersive learning, communication and debriefing, thereby enhancing the training experience.
More than 100 agencies across the country applied for the simulator, with a common theme of lacking resources to purchase such equipment. Applicants expressed a strong desire to elevate their training standards but were hindered by financial constraints.
Atoka Mayor Barry Akin expressed pride in this achievement, viewing the emphasis on advanced training as a historic milestone for the city. “You take a top-notch company with a great product and a top-notch town like Atoka – you’ve got a great partnership,” he remarked.
Echoing these sentiments, VirTra CEO John Givens hopes the simulator will enhance the town’s safety. “In the true spirit of Christmas, we hope this gift will keep this community and its great officers safer than they are today through realistic training,” Givens said.