Pursuit Response News

There is no doubt that the occasional police pursuit training refresher course helps prevent collisions.  The California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (CA POST) confirms that having officers complete additional post-basic academy police pursuit driver training programs consistently reduces collisions.  This goes a long way toward explaining the “Age Factor” in high-speed pursuit collisions: … Continued

In the mid-2000s California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) audited police pursuit driver training programs throughout California.  Among the study’s many findings was the conclusion that not only was ongoing re-training vital but that California’s basic pursuit training program for cadets was often wanting: Initial review of academy training, as well as … Continued

While there is still some debate as to what degree a law officer’s age and inexperience contribute to deadly crashes, it’s broadly accepted that speed kills. Unfortunately, most conventional police pursuit training programs don’t successfully train officers to drive at high speeds in realistic, real life environments such as rural, city or congested areas.   Pursuit … Continued

Police chases, as exciting as they are in movies, can result in accidents — sometimes fatal ones. The victims can be the perpetrator, an officer, or innocents. According to a report released May 9 by the U.S. Department of Justice, the 68,000 vehicle pursuits by state and local law enforcement agencies conducted in 2012 resulted … Continued

Researchers break police pursuit training programs into two broad categories: physical Emergency Vehicle Operations Courses (EVOCs) and computer-controlled Law Enforcement Driving Simulators (LEDS).   Comparing EVOC-based and LEDS-based Police Pursuit Training EVOCs are the traditional “driving ranges,” with their orange cones and patch of standing water. These focus on the fundamentals and motor-learning related to … Continued

Although it’s rarely reported, traffic crashes and high speed pursuit kill roughly as many law officers as firearms.  According to the nonprofit National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, traffic-related incidents have been the leading cause of death for officers in the line of duty for most of the past two decades.  These “traffic-related incidents” run the … Continued

“It was a unique and very worthwhile experience to have such talented drivers here at our facility to share their knowledge and experience,” said Officer Alex Penrith, who gave the driving instruction. “Once they understood our mission, they were able to share ideas on staying focused behind the wheel, controlling stress and not overdriving.” Read full … Continued

Chuck Deakins, lead specialist in simulation training at FAAC trains a student on FAAC’s Driving Force simulator. By combining driving and use-of-force systems in a single training session, the officer has a much more realistic experience as it relates to patrol duties. This training tool helps officers learn to de-escalate a justified pursuit situation.

  Chuck Deakins, Lt Cdr. (Ret) and Lead Specialist in simulation training at FAAC discusses the intersection clearing and analysis practice.

Chuck Deakins, Lt Cdr. (Ret) and Lead Specialist in simulation training at FAAC discusses the current state of pursuits and pursuit training in police departments across America.