Emergency Vehicle Operations: Driving techniques

Emergency Vehicle Operations Course

• Student workbook for 2021
• Published in accordance with the Nevada Peace Officer Standards & Training
• Revised 03.23.2021

Schedule

• Monday*
• Classroom: Introductions, Guest Speaker, Legal & Case Law, Professional Driving
• Track: Road Course
• Tuesday*
• Classroom: Concepts of Motion, Cornering Lines
• Track: Road Course, Skills
• City Grid: Pursuits
• Wednesday*
• Classroom: Pursuits
• Track: Road Course
• Track & City Grid: Pursuits
• Track: Skills
• Thursday*
• Classroom: Pursuit Immobilization Technique
• Track: Road Course, Skills
• Track & City Grid: Pursuit Test
• Friday*
• Classroom: Written Test
• Track: Road Course, Road Course Test, Skills Test, PIT Certification

Driving Course Rules

• Treat all vehicles as if your life depends on them
• Never enter a vehicle without observing all four tires
• Fasten your seat belt before starting the vehicle
• Never start a vehicle until told to do so
• Never change seating position or leave the vehicle with the engine running without placing the car in park
• Never anticipate a command
• No smoking in the vehicles
• If the vehicle malfunctions, advise an instructor at once
• In case of a crash, if you are uninjured, put your arm out the window and turn on the overhead lights
• No horseplay on the driving surface
• Never make an unsafe move even if ordered to do so.
• Do not sit on the vehicles
• Do not use the siren
• Do not set the parking brake on the vehicles

EVOC Radio Procedures

• Call Sign Examples:*
• Reno: C351 = Charles 351, C354-Charles 354, C352 = Charles 352, C355-Charles 355, C353 = Charles 353, C356-Charles 356, N336-Nora 336, N344- Nora 344
• Washoe: 2N31 = 2 Nora 31, 2S612 Sam 61, 2N32 = 2 Nora 32, 2S912 Sam 91, 2N41 – 2 Nora 41, 2S922 Sam 41, 2T73-2 Tahoe 73, 2T71-2 Tahoe 71
• Sparks: 351, 371, 361, 311
• Tribal: 2024, 2025
• WCSDPD: 148, 164
• Log On:*
• Officer: Reno, C351
• Dispatch: C351, Copy C351, Good Morning
• Officer: 10-41, Officer
• Dispatch: 10-8
• Traffic Stops:*
• Always start with person you are calling: Reno, Washoe, Sparks
• Followed by your unit number: C351, 2N31, 215
• Followed by what you are doing: TRAFFIC Subject Stop
• Next give your location: 6th/Sutro, 5th Ave/Sun Valley Blvd, Greenbrae/McCarran, etc.
• Example:*
• Officer: Reno C351 Traffic
• Dispatch: C351 go ahead
• Officer: 6th and Sutro on Six, Five, Eight, Nora, King, Zebra, Nevada
• If no plates, provide the vehicle color, make, and model
• 6th and Sutro on a White, Chevy Cavalier, with no plates
• Provide passenger information if anything unusual exists with the passengers
• Occupied by four

Officer:

• Reno, Charles Three Five One, Traffic
• Winding Way and Access Road on
• Six, Five, Eight, Nora, King, Zebra, Nevada

Dispatch:

• C351, go ahead
• C351, Winding & Access
• When you call out of a traffic stop, dispatch will run the plate you gave them and give them correct information
• If the plate is 10-99, they will tell you and close the channel, and start additional units your way
• Dispatch: C351, go ahead
• Dispatch: C351, Winding & Access
• C351, that vehicle returns V-Victor
• Beep, Beep, Beep (Alert Tones)
• Reno to all units, Reno Green will be closed
• For C351 with an occupied V-Victor
• C352 and C353 begin responding.
• Winding Way and Access Road.
• Reno Green is Closed

Radio

• Reno, C351, Failure to yield or Pursuit if the vehicle does not stop
• Dispatch will close the channel
• Give direction of travel over the radio during a Pursuit: North bound on Virginia, coming up to Parr Blvd
• Traffic conditions - light traffic, heavy traffic, no traffic
• Speeds - speeds at 60, speeds at 55
• Number of occupants – occupied by 3
• Road/Weather Conditions – roads are icy, roads are clear and dry
• School Zones/Pedestrians – no pedestrians in the area, heavy pedestrian traffic, active school zone
• Describe the violators driving - Subject ran the red light at N. Virginia/Parr Blvd, Subject just hit a curb, Subject tossing small bags out the window
• Dispatch is documenting everything being said over the radio to refresh your memory when writing your report
• Suspect 10-50 and foot bailed, white male, heading west wearing blue jeans, white shirt, black hat
• The more detailed your radio traffic is, the more your Supervisors and partners know you are in control

After Vehicle is stopped and contact is made:

• Officer: Reno, C351 Code 4, switching to Secondary
• Dispatch: C351
• On Secondary:
• Officer: Reno, C351
• Dispatch: C351
• Officer: 10-63 a Nevada 27/29 on 1
• Dispatch: C351 10-67
• Officer: Last of MACDONALD, first of KYLE, DOB/07-16-88, Social is 530-19-4592
• Dispatch: C351 copy, C351, Reno, Go ahead, RenoSubject MACDONALD is clear NCIC, NCJIS, and Local, showing a valid class C expiring in 2016 with no restrictions
• Officer: Reno, C351 copy, switching back to green
• Dispatch: 10-4
• Running the Subject/Occupants of a vehicle:Start by notifying the Primary dispatcher that you are Code 4 and that you will be switching to secondary
  • When you've switched, you are starting over with the new dispatcher
  • Identify them along with your unit number and then telling them what information it is that you seek
  • Sparks 121, 10-63 a Nevada 10-27/10-29 on one, or on two, or on seven is an example.
• By giving the number of people that you intend to run, dispatch prepares screens and manage other people waiting to run Subjects/Items
  • When asking for 10-27 information it is important to identify the state that you want the 10-27 run in
  • If you do not specify, then dispatchers will only run a 10-27 for Nevada If running multiple subjects, take a break in between subjects
  • Officer: break for number two
  • Dispatch: Go ahead with your next
• After dispatch responds with a go ahead or 10-67 then you can begin your traffic Start with the Subject's Last Name and give the phonetical spelling of it, followed by the phonetical spelling of the first name
• If either of the names are of common spelling, you can let dispatch know by saying common spelling and skip the phonetic spelling of the name
  • Last of Smith, common spelling
  • First of Dan, common spelling
  • Be careful as some common names have multiple ways to spell them, such as Jason, Jayson, Matt, Mat, John, Jon, etc
  • If you're not sure of the common spelling, it is always best to spell the name out phonetically After the phonetic spelling of the Subject's name, give dispatch the race and sex of the Subject followed by their date of birth
• White/Male, Hispanic Female, Pacific Islander Male
• Date of Birth: 06-14-89
• Then provide the Social Security number or the Operator License Number (OLN)
  • Social is 555-12-4578 or OLN is 080-678-12-98/Nevada is an example
• Social security numbers are identifiable by their sequence and the OLN should be broken up in digits by 3-3-2-2 After relaying all the information to dispatch, wait for your return and dispatch will contact you and give you the return information.

Washoe Example:

• 2N31, Washoe
• Dispatch: Subject Smith is clear NCIC, NCJIS, and Local, shows a valid C and M until 2016
• Dispatch: 2N31, Washoe, 10-97
• Dispatch: Subject Smith shows to be F-Frank for Strong armed robbery out of Sparks
• If you receive a 10-97 return or a warrant, dispatch may start you a cover unit and will likely ask if you are Code 4

Key Terms

• Rolling Friction
• Brake Fade
• Centripetal Force
• Centrifugal Force
• Over Steer
• Under Steer
• Slip Angle
• Course Apex
• Trail Braking
• Hydroplaning
• Offensive Driving
• Slack Pursuit
• Legal Intervention
• Ramming

Key Questions

• Identify the five (5) parts of Below 100.
• Identify the four (4) goals of EVOC.
• Identify the legal impact of Biscoe v. Arlington County - 07/84.
• Identify the legal impact of Canton v. Harris - 02/89.
• Identify the legal impact of Brower v. Inyo - 03/89.
• Identify the legal impact of Sacramento v. Lewis - 05/98.
• Identify the legal impact of Scott v. Harris - 04/07.
• Identify the legal impact of Plumhoff v. Rickard - 5/2014.
• Identify the elements of NRS 484B.267.
• Identify the elements of NRS 484B.550.
• Identify the elements of NRS 484B.700.
• Identify the three (3) Ps of Professional Police Driving.
• Identify the five (5) components of Professional Police Driving.
• Identify a proper Eye Lead Time.
• Identify the proper following distance.
• Identify how often you should scan you mirrors.
• Identify the two (2) most important parts of the vehicle.
• Identify the four (4) common tire problems and the most common causes of tire failure.
• State the appropriate pressure in a properly inflated tire.
• Identify what a “wear bar” is and at what point they show up on a tire.
• Identify the three (3) Natural Laws of Motion.
• Identify when an object becomes “stable”, “unstable”, or “neutral".
• Identify the three (3) axis of motion and the motion around each.
• Identify the three (3) common causes of accidents.
• Explain where serious control problems come from.
• Explain the Electronic Stability System (ESC).
• Identify the three (3) steps in proper ABS Braking.
• Understand the benefits and differences between the two (2) cornering principles (cornering lines) discussed.
• Explain the cornering principle preferred for safety.
• Identify how much braking should be done while traveling in a straight line.
• Identify when a vehicle does its efficient braking.
• Identify how much of the total braking capabilities of the vehicle can be induced through steering input.
• Explain the elements of a corner.
• Identify the factors that cause hydroplaning and the proper recovery technique.
• Identify the technique for managing “road hazards”.
• Identify what driving factors change during wet pavement, snow, and ice conditions.
• Identify the rule for intersections.
• Identify the proper recovery technique for a blow out or high speed tire failure for a front tire and for a rear tire.
• Identify the three (3) priorities discussed when a crash is imminent.
• Identify the four (4) elements that influence how you drive.
• Identify the three (3) attitudes that result in poor driving habits.
• Identify what percent of your driving ability you should never exceed the importance of driving within your abilities.
• Explain the importance of driving within your abilities.
• Identify the physiological effects on a driver during a pursuit.
• Identify what the driver can do to reduce the physiological effects.
• Explain the proper pursuit position and how it differs from slack pursuit.
• Identify the guidelines for proper pursuit management.
• Identify the guidelines for terminating a pursuit.
• Explain the acronym, P.U.R.S.U.E.
• Explain when a loss of control of the suspect vehicle is irreversible during a Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT).
• Explain when the Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT) would fall under deadly force.
• Identify maximum suggested speed in which the P.I.T. should be attempted.
• Identify the two (2) main causes of a failed P.I.T.
• Assess what happens to a vehicle and how it affects control under the following:Acceleration, Braking, Steering.

Demonstrations of Proficiency

• Demonstrate proficiency in driving techniques, to include proper steering technique
  • Proper use of brakes
  • Proper use of accelerator
  • Proper cornering techniques
  • Drive the course two consecutive laps within the qualification time window.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the skills exercises, to include
  • Backing exercise
  • Perception and reaction exercise
  • Braking exercise
• Demonstrate proficiency in pursuit techniques, to include
  • Proper pursuit position
  • Proper pursuit assessment
  • Proper pursuit management
• Demonstrate four (4) proper P.I.T. rub-runs, inclusive of
  • Proper speed match
  • Proper drift over with gentle touch
  • Proper use of accelerator
  • Proper use of brake
  • Proper hold of rub-run
  • Proper termination of the maneuver prior to the completion of the P.I.T.
• Demonstrate four (4) proper P.I.T. maneuvers, inclusive of
  • Proper speed match
  • Proper drift over with gentle touch
  • Proper use of accelerator
  • Proper use of brake
  • Proper hold of rub-run
  • Proper steering input to move the rear end of the Suspect Vehicle 25 degrees or more to complete the P.I.T.
  • Proper exit after the P.I.T., with minimal secondary contact

Precision Driving Course Grading

• Pursuits (20 points)
  • The Student demonstrates proper pursuit position
    • The Student positions the patrol unit offset to the left whenever safely possible (2 points)
    • The Student maintains proper following distance for the exercise (2 points)
    • The Student maintains the outside-outside-inside position in cornering and does not follow the violator's lines (Value: 2 points)
    • The Student slows or stops as necessary to clear intersections (Value: 2 points)
  • Student accurately updates dispatch with necessary information
    • The Student provides dispatch with the unit identifier (Value: 2 points)
    • The Student provides dispatch with frequent location, speed, and direction of travel updates (Value: 2 points)
    • The Student provides dispatch with the license number, vehicle description, and number of occupants of the vehicle being pursued (Value: 2 points)
    • The Student provides dispatch with the reason/criminal charge(s) resulting in the pursuit (Value: 2 points)
  • The Student properly manages the pursuit
    • The Student properly initiates, continues, and/or terminates the pursuit based on known information and the violator's actions (Value: 2 point)
    • The Student properly demonstrates and/or can accurately explain the slack pursuit technique (Value: 2 points)
  • A passing Pursuit Total Score is a minimum required score of 80% (16/20)
  • Score below 80% = Failed Run and requires remediation
  • Any pursuit testing requiring remediation will result in a maximum final score of 16 points
  • Pursuit section must be passed to complete EVOC Training

Skills (30 Points Total)

Backing (10 points)

• Failed Run:
  • Struck Cone
  • Missed Stall
  • Readjust
• Must pass one of three runs
• 8 points for passing after remediation
• 0 points for passing after final remediation
• Failing Final Remediation = Failed EVOC

Perception/Reaction (10 points)

• Failed Run:
  • Struck Cone
  • Improper Lane Selection
  • Too Slow
• Must pass three of five runs
• 8 points for passing after remediation
• 0 points for passing after final remediation
• Failing Final Remediation = Failed EVOC

ABS Braking (10 points)

• Failed Run:
  • Struck Cone
  • Improper Lane Selection
  • Too Slow
• Must pass three of five runs
• 8 points for passing after remediation
• 0 points for passing after final remediation
• Failing Final Remediation = Failed EVOC

Road Course (50 points)

• Must get two consecutive passing runs out of six opportunities
• Passing run:
  • In the time window set for the class (provided on Thursday)
  • Score above 80%
    • The point total for both runs is 100
    • This is multiplied by 0. to get the final road course score
    • 40 out of 50 is required to pass
• Failed Run:
  • Outside (too fast or too slow) the set time window
  • Struck Cone
  • Missed Gate
  • Score below 80%
  • 1 point deduction off final road course score for each failed run
• If failing to achieve two consecutive passing runs in the six allotted runs, remedial training occurs
  • After remedial training, the student will get six additional opportunities to get two consecutive passing runs
• Failing to get two consecutive passing runs after remediation=Failed EVOC
• Scoring:

Steering (12.5 points/run)

• Student maintains proper hand positioning at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions
• Student grasps the steering wheel lightly with the fingertips and thumbs
• Student shuffle steers smoothly in one continuous motion (Does not need to re-adjust hand position)
• Student moves the steering wheel no faster than the vehicle can change direction
• Student anticipates left turns by moving the left hand to the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel
• Student anticipates right turns by moving the right hand to the 12 o'clock position on the steering wheel
• Student shuffle steers out of the turns and does not let the steering wheel slide through the fingers

Acceleration (12.5 points/run)

• Student eases off the accelerator smoothly when approaching a turn
• Student gradually adds acceleration when exiting a turn without creating wheel spin
• Student maximizes acceleration on the straight-a-ways
• Student makes a smooth transition from the brakes to the accelerator pedal (does not pop off the brakes)

Braking (12.5 points/run)

• The Student performs straight-line heavy braking prior to entering a turn
• Student properly trails brakes upon entering a turn by gradually releasing brake pedal pressure
• The student brakes sufficiently and does not need to add acceleration in the midway point of a turn
• The student brakes sufficiently and do not need to add more brake in the midway point of the turn
• Student makes a smooth transition from the gas pedal to the brake pedal

Cornering (12.5 points/run)

• The student properly positions the vehicle to the outside prior to entering the turn
• The student maintains proper outside position upon entering the turn (does not turn in early)
• The student maintains proper outside positions at the middle of the turn
• The student properly positions the vehicle to the inside upon exiting the turn (late apex)
• Upon entering a turn, the student visually scans turns looking for the exit of the turn
• The entire Precision Driving Course totals 100 points (for both runs), which is then multiplied by 0.5 to get the final Road Course score.
• If the student failed any runs, a 1-point deduction, per failed run, will deducted off the total score.
• The Academy Emergency Vehicle Operations Course is designed to give you ample drive time to hone your skills to successfully pass the practical testing
  • The instructor staff will be available before and after class for additional instruction if a this is difficult
  • Staying late and/or coming in early is NOT required to pass this class
  • Please contact a Lead EVOC Instructor for clarification for any questions
• The decisions made as a professional police driver are as critical as ever

Emergency Vehicle Operations course covering legal aspects, driving techniques, and pursuit strategies. Includes practical track exercises, city grid simulations, and tests. Focuses on safety and vehicle maintenance.