CRMJ 1820 Emergency Vehicle Response & Dynamics
This high-intensity course is designed to train the student in the safe, effective, and lawful operation of a police patrol vehicle during both routine and emergency conditions and to comply with Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification requirements and state statutes governing vehicle pursuits and traffic procedures. The course emphasizes safety, collision avoidance, and the reduction of civil liability through disciplined driving practices. It combines rigorous classroom instruction on the legal and psychological aspects of emergency driving with competency-based, hands-on application. The student will develop the critical decision-making skills and vehicle control proficiency necessary to operate an emergency vehicle with "due regard" for the safety of the public and fellow officers. (1 lect., 0.5 lab)
Major Topics
- Legal framework and liability
- Vehicle dynamics and maintenance
- Emergency response and pursuit
- Perception, glare, and "over-driving" headlights in low-light environments
Outcomes
In order to successfully complete this course, the student will:
1. Interpret Wyoming state statutes, local ordinances, and landmark case law regarding "due regard" and officer liability during an emergency response.
2. Apply the laws of physics and vehicle dynamics to maintain vehicle control during high-speed cornering and threshold braking.
3. Demonstrate defensive driving techniques for hazard recognition and collision avoidance.
4. Demonstrate precision maneuvers within the time and accuracy parameters established by Wyoming POST.
5. Analyze the physiological and psychological stressors of high-speed operation.