Viridian® Provides Gun-Specific Laser Sight for New Ruger-57™

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – January 6, 2020 – Viridian Weapon Technologies has created a gun-specific E Series™ laser sight as an add-on accessory for the brand-new Ruger-57™ pistol. The E Series for the Ruger-57 will be available for purchase online and at select retailers in the coming months. For Ruger customers seeking even more sighting solutions, the universal C Series® and X Series® laser/light combos are available now and offer an effortless upgrade for the new handgun.

“We’re closing out 2019 on a high note with this exciting product announcement for Viridian and Ruger fans,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “We worked with Ruger’s product development team in advance to make adjustments to our popular E Series model to guarantee that customers would be able to purchase a reliable laser sight for the new pistol. When paired with the Ruger-57, the E Series makes it an incredibly accurate and powerful setup.” 

E Series 

First introduced in 2016, the E Series laser sight gives everyday conceal and carry owners a sleek model-specific, trigger-guard-mounted sighting solution—delivering rapid target acquisition at an affordable price point. With tried-and-true technology, unmatched performance and everyday value, the E Series is a staple for daily carry and has become well-known as “essential gear.”

X Series and C Series

Featuring the brightest green and red lasers, brilliant tactical lights, INSTANT-ON® activation and multiple modes of operation, the Viridian C Series and X Series give customers everything needed to dominate the day or night. Plus, with simple universal mounting, these options give users convenience while offering Viridian’s outstanding performance and dependability.

More information about Viridian weapon-mounted accessories can be found at ViridianWeaponTech.com. 

About Viridian Weapon Technologies 

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Viridian Weapon Technologies is devoted to applying cutting-edge technology to design compact, powerful self-defense products for the civilian, military and law enforcement markets. Viridian is the leader in weapon-mounted technology and responsible for a number of firearm innovations including green and red laser sights, LED weapon-mounted illuminators and several shooting accessories including the TacLoc® Holsters. Viridian products are designed and built in the USA. More information is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Viridian® Gun Camera Provides Key Evidence in Texas Criminal Trial

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – December 12, 2019 – Video from the Vernon, Texas Police Department’s deployed gun cameras played a crucial role in a criminal conviction last month. This is the first known criminal trial in which video from the FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™) has been used as evidence.

Gun camera footage from the incident showed the suspect attempting to run over two officers approaching the vehicle. According to the report, neither officer had an opportunity to activate their body cameras, and the dash camera had malfunctioned. The Viridian WMC, with its INSTANT-ON® technology, began recording automatically when the officer’s weapon was drawn. This video was ultimately key to the prosecution’s case. The full story is available here. 

“The Vernon Police Department’s deployment of the WMC is not only the first in the state of Texas, but this is the first reported case where footage from the device was used to convict a suspect,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “From the beginning, Vernon has shown how committed it is to modern policing. Vernon’s deployment of the WMC and this recent case prove how valuable the gun cam is in providing a truly unique, unobstructed perspective—one that did not exist before it was in the field.”

Viridian created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the WMC. The device provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras. Body and dash cameras were not designed to capture officer-involved shootings. However, Viridian WMCs were designed specifically for this purpose. 

The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment. 

The WMCs fit on existing standard-issue firearms and fit seamlessly in multiple duty holster platforms, making it easy for implementation by any law enforcement agency. The cameras feature a recording time of over three hours to handle virtually any scenario. They also incorporate secured data access and are easily rechargeable. 

In addition to Vernon’s deployment, there are more than 50 other departments in Texas currently in various stages of testing and implementing the FACT Duty WMC. Nationally there are nearly 600 agencies looking at this new technology.

More information on FACT Duty WMCs can be found at ViridianWeaponTech.com/FACT-Duty-Learn-More. 

About Viridian Weapon Technologies 

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Viridian Weapon Technologies is devoted to applying cutting-edge technology to design compact, powerful self-defense products for the civilian, military and law enforcement markets. Viridian is the leader in weapon-mounted technology and responsible for a number of firearm innovations including green and red laser sights, LED weapon-mounted illuminators and several shooting accessories including the TacLoc® Holsters. Viridian products are designed and built in the USA. More information is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

Viridian® Gun Cameras Featured on FOX News

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – December 11, 2019 – The FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™) from Viridian Weapon Technologies made headlines this fall when FOX News picked up the story of an Iowa police department implementing the recording device. Viridian recently announced that the Hiawatha Police Department is the first in the state of Iowa to deploy the WMC, distributing the device to all of its officers. In the recent coverage, FOX News stated that, according to Hiawatha Police Chief, Dennis Marks, Viridian’s gun cameras “provide better video” than body cameras.

“The WMC is absolutely critical for policing today, and we continue to see it gaining major media attention and making a significant impact in departments nationwide,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “With more than 500 agencies in the process of testing or deploying the device, and a recent criminal case in Texas where the gun cam played a crucial role, it’s becoming more apparent than ever that this solution is vital to modern policing.”

Viridian created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the WMC. The device provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras. Body and dash cameras were not designed to capture officer-involved shootings. However, Viridian WMCs were designed specifically for this purpose. 

The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment. 

Easy Purchase and Implementation

FACT WMCs do not require the purchase of supplemental equipment or services and are designed exclusively to answer the needs of today’s officers. The WMC generates just a small fraction of the data to manage compared to other law enforcement recording options because it only records when the officer’s weapon is drawn. 

After the purchase of the WMC, there are no maintenance fees, monthly charges or other significant expenses required. This results in significantly lower comparative data management costs than other evidentiary camera systems. The FACT Duty is a one-and-done solution for law enforcement administrators and purchasing departments. 

The WMCs fit on existing standard-issue firearms and fit seamlessly in multiple duty holster platforms, making it easy for implementation by any law enforcement agency. The cameras feature a recording time of over three hours to handle virtually any scenario. They also incorporate secured data access and are easily rechargeable. 

More information on FACT Duty WMCs can be found at ViridianWeaponTech.com/FACT-Duty-Learn-More. 

About Viridian Weapon Technologies 

Headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Viridian Weapon Technologies is devoted to applying cutting-edge technology to design compact, powerful self-defense products for the civilian, military and law enforcement markets. Viridian is the leader in weapon-mounted technology and responsible for a number of firearm innovations including green and red laser sights, LED weapon-mounted illuminators and several shooting accessories including the TacLoc® Holsters. Viridian products are designed and built in the USA. More information is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.