NCJ Number
219430
Date Published
1999
Length
67 pages
Annotation
This report provides an overview of the issues and considerations involved in developing driving simulator training programs for California law enforcement officers, based on the experience and knowledge of those who have been involved in the development of such programs.
Abstract
The purpose of the guidelines presented in this report is to provide law enforcement agencies with the benefit of the experience gained in developing existing driving simulator training programs; however, the report is not a comprehensive manual that covers all aspects of driving simulator training. The guidelines include an outline of the issues that should be addressed in a feasibility analysis that will determine whether or not the driving simulator program is needed and whether the required resources are available for implementing and maintaining it over the long term. The driving simulator is an important part of a comprehensive driver training program whose objectives are to reduce vehicle collisions by police drivers, reduce agency liability costs, and improve safety for law enforcement personnel and the public. The driving simulator provides students practice in honing their judgment and decisionmaking for routine patrol and transportation as well as for emergency response and pursuit driving. Students can practice making decisions in simulated life-and-death situations that reflect those actually encountered by officers. Students can experience the consequences of their decisions based on incomplete information or poor judgment and learn what actions should have been taken to reduce or eliminate the risk. Other issues addressed in the guidelines are program management, equipment, instructor selection and development, training environment and formats, program evaluation, and certification. Appended supplementary information includes sample lesson plans and evaluations.