Should the Commission approve the removal of the Law Enforcement Driving Simulator learning activity, subject to the Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action process, the proposed Training and Testing Specifications for Peace Officer Basic Courses, as specified in this report?

As part of an ongoing review of the Regular Basic Course content, POST staff and curriculum consultants review Learning Domain content to determine the currency and job task relevancy.  This process is facilitated by POST and attended by subject matter experts, academy directors, and coordinators.  Some of the more significant outcomes of these workshops are recommendations for updating and enhancing the basic courses.

There are currently 108 Law Enforcement Driving Simulators (LEDS) distributed to presenters throughout the State.  POST currently has a maintenance contract ($341,357.00) for repair and maintenance of the LEDS.  This contract is set to expire in June 2020, and shall not be renewed.  Numerous presenters have LEDS which are inoperable, thereby preventing them from administering the required learning activity as outlined in Learning Domain 19 (Vehicle Operations).

In 2011, 108 Law Enforcement Driving Simulators were purchased by POST and distributed throughout the State.  In February 2013, a learning activity was added to Learning Domain 19 (Vehicle Operations) requiring the use of the Law Enforcement Driving Simulators (LEDS).  The learning activity requires students to participate in the use of a LEDS and after acclimation, participate in at least two (2) different emergency responses and two (2) different pursuits.  The intent of the added learning activity was to increase training and reduce traffic accidents.  

Due to the inability to maintain the aging Law Enforcement Driving Simulators.  Several presenters are unable to successfully administer the required learning activity outlined in Learning Domain 19 (Vehicle Operations).

POST Basic Training personnel, academy instructors and subject matter experts, have seen an increase in students entering the Regular Basic Course with less driving experience.  In 2019, POST Basic Training Bureau conducted a study that found Vehicle Operations had the third highest failure rate in the Regular Basic Course, behind Scenario and Firearms testing.  The removal of the LEDS required learning activity from Learning Domain 19 (Vehicle Operations), will allow more time for behind the wheel training.  POST anticipates the additional behind the wheel training will increase the success rates in Vehicle Operations testing.

Learning Domains have been updated to reflect emerging training needs, compliance with legislatively mandated subject matter, changes in the law, or to improve student learning and evaluation.

The proposed changes affect the following Learning Domains:

• LD 19, Vehicle Operations (Attachment A)

The Training and Testing Specifications were updated to remove the required learning activity involving the Law Enforcement Driving Simulator.

Staff recommends the Commission approve the revisions to the Training and Testing Specifications as amended, pursuant to the rule-making process and approval from the Office of Administrative Law. If no one requests a public hearing, the amendments will become effective October 1, 2020. 

Between now and October 1, 2020, staff also seeks a moratorium on LD 19 (Vehicle Operations) learning activity requiring the use of the Law Enforcement Driving Simulators (LEDS).