Course Description

This Basic Police Driving course is designed by the Missouri Safety Center to equip law enforcement officers with critical skills and knowledge to enhance their driving safety and effectiveness in various operational contexts. Through a blend of classroom instruction and practical range exercises, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of factors contributing to police vehicle crashes, master defensive driving techniques, and develop advanced vehicle control skills. The course emphasizes the importance of responsible decision-making in emergency response and pursuit driving, covering legal and procedural responsibilities, vehicle dynamics, and the crucial role of driver attitude and vehicle maintenance in preventing collisions and ensuring officer safety.

Course Objectives and Outcomes

Human Factors and Crash Causation

Gain a comprehensive understanding of crash causation by analyzing crash statistics and delving into psychological, emotional, physiological, environmental, and vehicle-related influences. Officers will learn to recognize the complex interplay of factors that contribute to emergency vehicle incidents and develop proactive risk mitigation strategies. The course further addresses the significant impact of driver attitudes and emotional states, providing officers with techniques to cultivate self-awareness, manage their emotions effectively, and foster safer, more responsible driving behaviors.

Defensive Driving and Strategic Road Skills

Master essential defensive driving principles and develop strategic road management skills for enhanced safety and awareness. Participants will learn and implement proven systems like the Smith System, SIPDE, and SEE to sharpen their perception, anticipate hazards more effectively, and make well-informed driving decisions. Emphasis is placed on strategic space and time management, enabling officers to create safer operational margins, maintain appropriate distances, and utilize effective visual techniques to improve situational awareness and prevent accidents in diverse traffic environments.

Vehicle Dynamics and Emergency Control

Enhance practical vehicle handling expertise and master advanced control techniques critical for operational driving. Through combined learning and hands-on range exercises, officers will refine steering and braking skills, including expert skid management, cornering techniques, and emergency braking procedures using threshold and ABS methods. A core focus involves developing a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, skillfully managing weight transfer and vehicle balance to ensure maximum stability and control when executing both routine and complex maneuvers, such as during emergency responses and precision driving scenarios.

Emergency Response and Pursuit Driving Expertise

Develop specialized expertise in navigating the complexities of emergency response and pursuit driving situations. The course covers legal and procedural frameworks that govern emergency vehicle operation and pursuits, enabling officers to make legally sound and ethically responsible decisions regarding pursuit initiation, continuation, and termination. Participants will also learn vital communication strategies for pursuit scenarios and explore key tactical considerations for maintaining command and control, effectively managing operational limitations, and prioritizing safety for both officers and the public during high-pressure emergency and pursuit events.

Vehicle Readiness and Safety Maintenance

Ensure optimal vehicle readiness and cultivate comprehensive safety practices through meticulous inspection and preventative maintenance routines. Participants will learn detailed vehicle inspection methods applicable to all critical vehicle areas, including exterior, interior, and under-the-hood components. Officers will also gain practical knowledge to differentiate between factory-installed and aftermarket vehicle equipment to facilitate informed maintenance and upkeep. A key component focuses on the correct and consistent utilization of all vehicle safety equipment, promoting optimal seating positions, proper use of restraint systems, and a thorough understanding of all integrated vehicle safety features to maximize protection and minimize operational risks.

Other Information

This course is approved by Missouri P.O.S.T. and provides the following Continuing Education Hours: total of 16 hours.

• Technical Studies: 8 hours
• Skill Development: 8 hours

This course has a registration fee of $175.00 per seat. Other than the timed pursuit course, this is not a high-speed EVOC course.

It is encouraged that participants bring a vehicle they will use for their day-to-day job duties with their department. Otherwise, the Missouri Safety Center is able to provide one; however, it may not meet the standards of your current vehicle or department.