High-Speed Pursuit Training for Police Officers: Ensuring Safety and Efficiency

Police officers tasked with high-speed pursuits must undergo rigorous and specialized training to ensure that they can handle these critical situations safely and effectively. This article delves into the comprehensive training programs available, particularly in California, which are designed to prepare police officers for various emergency vehicle operations (EVO) scenarios.

One of the key elements of this training is the Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC). This course covers a wide range of skills, including steering, maneuvering, braking, and even skidding without anti-lock brakes (ABS). The objective is to train officers to control a vehicle under extreme conditions, such as during a high-speed pursuit or when faced with slippery road conditions.

EVOC Training Overview

EVOC training is not only thorough but also considered a perishable skill, meaning that ongoing retraining is necessary. In California, this retraining is mandatory every two years to ensure that officers remain proficient in handling dangerous and dynamic situations. While the basic training is quite intensive, some officers, including those like myself, opt to take additional multi-day classes to further enhance their skills.

The training is often conducted at abandoned airfields or similar locations where police cars can be maneuvered safely at high speeds and in tight turns. These simulations are designed to replicate real-world scenarios, providing officers with the necessary experience to handle high-speed pursuits safely.

Key Components of EVOC Training

Steering and Maneuvering

The first step in EVOC training is mastering the basic skills of steering and maneuvering. Officers must learn how to control their vehicles under extreme conditions, such as during a high-speed chase or when navigating tight turns and sharp curves. These skills are critical for officers to maintain control and avoid accidents.

Balancing ABS and Non-ABS Conditions

A significant portion of EVOC training focuses on balancing the use of ABS and non-ABS systems. ABS helps prevent skidding by electronically monitoring braking force and distributing that force evenly, whereas non-ABS systems are more prone to locking up. Officers must learn how to control their vehicles during braking, even when ABS is not available.

Wet Track Driving

Another crucial aspect of EVOC training is wet track driving. Officers must learn how to handle their vehicles on slippery surfaces, which can occur due to rain, snow, or icy conditions. This training helps them maintain control of their vehicles and avoid accidents in dangerous weather conditions.

Single and Multiple Vehicle Pursuits

EVOC training also covers single and multiple vehicle pursuits. Officers must learn how to maintain distance from the pursued vehicle, using their lights and sirens effectively, and how to anticipate the actions of the pursued drivers. This is particularly important for maintaining safety during and after high-speed pursuits.

Lights and Sirens Operation

Operating lights and sirens requires a delicate balance. Officers must learn how to use these tools without causing panic or accidents. They must also learn how to predict and control their own reactions, ensuring that they do not over-drive their sirens and give drivers insufficient time to react. This is crucial for maintaining safety and order during a pursuit.

PIT Maneuver

The Pit (Pursuit Intervention Technique) maneuver is a specialized tactic used to end a pursuit. This involves driving alongside the pursued vehicle and using the car's momentum to create a controlled collision, thus stopping the pursuit. The Pit maneuver requires exceptional driving skills and precise timing, making it a critical skill for officers to master.

Real-World Training Scenarios

The training is not just theoretical; it includes practical, hands-on experience. For instance, officers may start with a worn-out vehicle, like a 1980 Dodge Diplomat, to understand the limitations of different cars under emergency conditions. They learn to tap the brakes at low speeds (around 20 mph) to lose traction and lock up the brakes, simulating real-world scenarios where control is crucial. They also practice sideways maneuvers in a fire engine, navigating through multiple lanes, which can be challenging even for experienced drivers.

These intensive training sessions are not for the faint of heart. It often involves destroying countless cones and delineators, as trainees repeatedly run through drills designed to simulate high-speed pursuits. The goal is to instill confidence and competence, ensuring that officers are ready to handle any situation they may face on the road.

Conclusion

High-speed pursuit training is a critical component of a police officer's career, and it requires continuous and specialized training. The Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) in California provides an excellent example of how rigorous, real-world training prepares officers to handle dangerous situations safely and efficiently. By mastering skills such as steering, maneuvering, braking, and skidding, officers are better equipped to protect themselves, the public, and the candidates involved in high-speed pursuits.

Through hands-on training at abandoned airfields and other specialized locations, officers not only learn the technical aspects of handling emergency vehicles but also develop the mental fortitude and decision-making skills necessary to stay safe and effective during high-stress situations.